When Go Negosyo started in 2005, we knew that Filipinos did not consider entrepreneurship as a career path. It was often considered the last option before unemployment or retirement. But we are determined to change the mindset and attitude of many Filipinos and inculcate in them the enterprising state of mind.

Nine years later, we see more and more Filipinos who took the risk and challenged themselves to venture into entrepreneurship. After every summit, caravan and negosem we conducted, there were individuals who proudly declared their plan to start their own business. It gave us a positive feeling that there is now a greater awareness and enthusiasm to develop and empower people to achieve their dreams and become more successful in life. This strengthened our pursuit to advocate a positive and enterprising attitude.

Our mission was strengthened even more when Senator Bam Aquino spearheaded the passage of the Go Negosyo Act, which will provide government support for aspiring entrepreneurs to venture into business. With the Go Negosyo Act, there will be Negosyo Centers in provinces and cities across the country. These Negosyo Centers promote ease in doing business and transactions with the government because there will be only one registration system and network. This law will also help the negosyantes in their entrepreneurial journey as there will be training, mentorships and financing loans.

I am glad that even established and champion entrepreneurs fully support this law. They, too, believe that this will help alleviate poverty and solve unemployment for many Filipinos.

Let me share with you messages of support from successful entrepreneurs and SMEs regarding the Go Negosyo Act.