DTI Supports More Negrense MSMEs in Boosting Business Growth

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is making significant strides in supporting micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Negros Occidental through the Kapatid Mentor ME-Money Market Encounter (KMME-MME) Online program. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), aims to equip local entrepreneurs with essential skills to scale their businesses effectively.

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs

Provincial KMME coordinator Gabriel Advincula announced on Wednesday that the DTI is in search of eight mentees who will be provided with free business development guidance. The selected participants will benefit from weekly coaching sessions led by experienced mentors accredited by the PCE. This initiative seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurial capabilities of small business owners by improving their access to mentorship, financial literacy, and market expansion opportunities.

Applications for the program are open until February 7, with the mentorship sessions scheduled to run from March to June. Throughout this period, mentees will undergo a rigorous 10-week training designed to enhance their business acumen and operational skills.

Comprehensive Training for Business Growth

The KMME-MME program covers a wide array of business-related topics, including:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset Development

• Marketing Strategies

• Business Model Improvement

• Operations Management

• Digitalization and E-Commerce Integration

• Human Resources Management

• Financial Literacy and Business Finance

• Product Development and Innovation

• Market Expansion Strategies

• Legal Aspects of Business Management

These modules aim to provide participants with a holistic understanding of how to run and expand their businesses efficiently, leveraging modern techniques and best practices.

Success Stories and Future Prospects

The KMME-MME Online program has already yielded positive results. In September, 11 mentees from Negros Occidental successfully completed the program and presented their Business Improvement Plans. These graduates demonstrated remarkable progress in their entrepreneurial journeys, applying their newfound knowledge to optimize business operations and increase profitability.

DTI’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship is particularly crucial in the wake of economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. By offering accessible training programs like KMME-MME Online, the department plays a pivotal role in revitalizing micro and small enterprises, ensuring their resilience in an ever-evolving business landscape.

The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to empower Filipino entrepreneurs, drive local economic growth, and position MSEs for long-term success. As the program continues to expand, it is expected to benefit more small business owners in Negros Occidental and beyond, ultimately contributing to a more robust and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.