Twenty five (25) Micro Enterprises from Bulacan have enrolled in the Kapatid Mentor Micro Enterprise (KMME) program of the Department of Trade and Industry. The first batch of entrepreneur-mentees were introduced yesterday during the launch of the KMME program at the BarCIE Convention Center in Malolos City, Bulacan. In attendance during the launch were DTI-3 officials led by DTI-3 Regional Director Judith P. Angeles, Bulacan MSME Development Council (MSMEDC) Vice President Carmencita Uychoco, Aurora MSMEDC President Ariel Querijero, Paul Anthony De Guzman of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), and mentors Jorge Noel Y. Wieneke III, President of Tokyo Tempura, and Carlo Edmund C. Calimon, owner of MobCard. The mentoring program is conducted in partnership with the PCE Go Negosyo Team.
During the program, DTI Regional Director Judith P. Angeles emphasized the objective of the KMME program to enhance the entrepreneurial mindset, financial and management skills and organizational capacity of small businesses. She also added that with the KMME, the mentees will be assisted for them to grow and graduate from Micro enterprise level to Small to Medium enterprise and so on. The KMME launching was attended by more than 100 MSMEs from Bulacan who were able to witness the first two (2) modules presented during the event – Entrepreneurial Mindset and Marketing.
DTI Bulacan Provincial Director Zorina D. Aldana encouraged other entrepreneurs to join the next batch of KMME mentees in order for them to prepare their business in participating in the growing market. She also noted that all the 25 mentees for the first batch of Bulacan KMME participants are in the food business with products like chicharon, flavored vinegar, candies and jams. Carmelo Javier, Manager of SAMAKA group in San Jose Del Monte, said that he appreciated the learning sessions and hoped that these will enhance their production. SAMAKA is a group of entrepreneurs producing pineapple and fruit based jam.
Several successful entrepreneurs in the province also shared their inspiring success stories during the forum. The testimonials came from Enrique Bucog of La Familia Foods, Bienvenido Cruz of Lugaw Republic, Aurora Sumulong of Food for Thought and Pinky Ramos of Fernando-Ramos Bakery
The KMME is a 12 module structured capacity building program similar to a shortened executive MBA course. Topics will be facilitated by successful business owners and subject matter experts accredited by the PCE. Other topics included in the program are: Business Model Canvass, Product Development/Innovation, Human Resources, Operation/Production Management, Financial Management, Obligations and Contract/Business Law, Supply Value Chain, Taxation and Business Plan Preparation.