True to its thrust to propel micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) towards innovative and competitive business environment, the Department of Trade and Industry Region 1 in partnership with Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) launched the Kapatid Mentor Me Program (KMME) – Ilocos Sur Leg at Vitalis Villas, Santiago, Ilocos Sur on August 4, 2017.

The KMME Program is part of the Negosyo- Kapatid Project that aims to help MSMEs scale up and become globally competitive enterprises through coaching and mentoring sessions.

In her message, DTI-Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Blesila Lantayona emphasized the role of MSMEs in fueling the economic growth of the country, while also highlighting the importance of mentoring towards the attainment of economic progress driven by empowered MSMEs.

Group photo at the Kapatid Mentor Me Program (KMME) – Ilocos Sur Leg Launch.

Some 300 MSMEs, partner government and non-government agency representatives from the province attended the launching to show support towards MSME development.

Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship accredited shared their expertise on Entrepreneurial Mind Setting, Business Values Formation and Marketing. Local accredited mentors who will be handling the succeeding mentoring sessions were also present.

Local successful entrepreneurs were guests during the inspirational forum and imparted success stories and experiences to motivate fellow entrepreneurs in seeking more business development opportunities.

The KMME program is in line with the Duterte Administration’s agenda of advancing MSMEs in the country by bringin together experts and industry leaders to provide free mentoring sessions.

The program will also allow mentees to learn strategies on marketing, financial, human resource and operation management among others during the 11-week module-based sessions.

On the 12th week of the program, mentees are required to present their business development plans before their graduation from the program. They are expected to become confident entrepreneurs with the right mindset and business-knowhow that will be able to sustain and scale up their enterprises.

Mentees were chosen in accordance with the prescribed criteria and only be limited to a minimum number of 20 and maximum of 25. Qualified mentees are business owners or managers of an enterprise with an asset of three million and below and operational for at least a year.

Ilocos Sur is the third province in the Ilocos Region to launch the Kapatid Mentor Me Program. La Union launched last May and has already produced 25 KMME graduates last July. Meanwhile, the 26 mentees from Pangasinan KMME who started with their sessions last June is almost halfway in finishing the program. The province of Ilocos Norte is scheduled to roll-out the same program next month.

DTI Region 1 Director Florante Leal described the KMME program as a “big brother-small brother” concept, adding that the program is a “perfect tool to motivate the entrepreneurial spirit of the Ilocanos and Pangasinenses.”