DTI-VI forum boosts MSMEs with government insight

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI and PCE Go Negosyo successfully conducted a virtual Government Services Forum on May 7, 2024, under the Kapatid Mentor ME – Money Market Encounter (KMME-MME) program.

The initiative aimed to provide Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with critical insights into government services to foster business growth.

The KMME program, initiated in 2016, includes a comprehensive 10-module mentorship program designed to improve entrepreneurs’ access to mentorship, funding, and market opportunities. Through this program, MSMEs also receive coaching to refine their Business Improvement Plans (BIPs) and enhance their presentation skills.

This year’s forum followed the recent completion of the mentorship modules on May 2, 2024. It featured participation from major government agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), and others, providing a platform for 49 mentees from various Western Visayas provinces to gain essential knowledge.

These mentees included 25 from Capiz, which hosted the batch, along with participants from Antique, Aklan, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.

Rachel N. Nufable, DTI VI OIC-Regional Director, thanked the partner agencies for their role in supporting regional MSMEs.

“The collaboration with these agencies is crucial for providing our entrepreneurs the support network needed to thrive,” she said.

Ken Queenie Cunada, Provincial Director of the DTI Capiz Provincial Office, also highlighted the positive impact of the forum. “We are confident that the insights gained here will empower our mentees to give back and strengthen their communities,” Cunada stated.

The mentees are preparing for their Business Improvement Plan presentations on May 30-31, following coaching sessions that span from May 9 to May 24. The graduation ceremony for this batch is scheduled for June 3, 2024, marking a significant step in their entrepreneurial journey.

Another group of 48 mentees is set to start their training in July, continuing until September, ensuring ongoing support for budding entrepreneurs in the region.