Iloilo launches SEAL-BEGIN to boost nano enterprises
ILOILO CITY — The Philippine Trade Training Center-Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA), in partnership with BPI Foundation, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Iloilo and the Iloilo City government, launched a program designed to help grassroots entrepreneurs strengthen and grow their businesses.
The Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab-Business Education for Growth Initiative for Nano Enterprises, or SEAL-BEGIN, is a four-day capacity-building program running from Oct. 6 to 9.
The initiative aims to equip participating nano-entrepreneurs with foundational business knowledge, operational skills and market linkages to help develop their ventures into sustainable enterprises.
The launch brought together DTI Iloilo Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director Ma. Dorita D. Chavez, Iloilo City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office Department Head II Velma Jane C. Lao, PTTC-GMEA Executive Director Mari Clare Torralba, BPI Foundation Program Manager Melanie Magbuhos and BanKo Iloilo Branch Manager Michael Sollano.
Welcoming participants, Chavez urged entrepreneurs to view business formalization as an investment rather than an expense.
She reminded them that “small capital does not mean small potential, and being a nano-entrepreneur today does not mean remaining small tomorrow.”
DTI Region VI Acting Regional Director Mutya Eusores said the SEAL-BEGIN Program demonstrates what government, the private sector and development partners can achieve by working together to empower micro, small and medium enterprises.
Eusores said combining entrepreneurship development, market opportunities and financial inclusion creates a stronger support system that can help nano-enterprises start, sustain and eventually expand their operations.
The program features a structured curriculum facilitated by PTTC resource persons Danica DC Lozada and Camille Albarracin.
The first two days focus on entrepreneurship development and compliance training.
Participants will then take part in simultaneous business pitching activities and a mini trade fair on Oct. 8 at the DTI Building facade.
Residents, shoppers and potential business partners are invited to visit the trade fair and support participating nano-entrepreneurs as they showcase their products, gain market exposure and connect with prospective customers.
The four-day program will conclude with financial education sessions and graduation ceremonies aimed at reinforcing sound financial management and sustainable business practices.
Beyond training, SEAL-BEGIN also seeks to connect participants with formal banking and financial services.
Participants will be assisted in opening bank accounts, establishing financial records and exploring financing opportunities through partners such as BanKo.
The initiative aims to combine business skills, market access and financial inclusion to give grassroots entrepreneurs a stronger foundation for long-term enterprise growth.
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