It is back to school and most children are quite excited to go back. In Go Negosyo, there was no summer break for entrepreneurs, as learning did not stop. We continued to share the importance of entrepreneurial education through the conduct of various learning opportunities such as the Negosyo Seminar (Negosem) Basic sessions, Magandang Business Advice (MBA), and our caravans and summits all over the country. These are to impart to our aspiring entrepreneurs the mindset, knowledge and how-to’s in business. Additionally, we continuously air “Go Negosyo sa Radyo” over DZRH 666 with Cheska San Diego and Go Negosyo executive director Ramon Lopez, and our TV show SME Go!: Powered by Go Negosyo hosted by Betong Sumaya Jr.

In recent months, we conducted a couple of Negosem Basic sessions. We had Ardy Roberto (founder and chairman, Salt and Ventures, Inc.), Carlo Calimon (executive director, Let’s Go Foundation), Ben Ampil (management consultant, trainer and motivational speaker), Mylene Abiva (president and CEO, FELTA Multimedia, Inc.), Paulo Tibig (president, VCargo), and Ed Pilapil (CEO, Achievers Circle, Inc.) as speakers. Mon Lopez also joined in giving advice and mentorship during these seminars.

Last May 16, in partnership with the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI), Go Negosyo mounted our first MBA on Franchising at the RFM Penthouse with Armando Bartolome, AFFI president and founder. Key franchising mentors Ricardo Cuna (Fiorgelato), Teresita Ngan Tian (Lots’ A Pizza), Victor Fernando (Big Apple Express Spa), Cyd Bascar (Crystal Clear), John Chung (Acqua Suisse), and Teodoro Ferrer (Generika) provided valuable insights into how one can succeed in franchising. Our participants are a mix of aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking for a suitable business model that they can try, and serial small entrepreneurs who would like to find out how they can expand their negosyos further. Let me share some of their stories.

A sweet combination

After working for nine years in the advertising and marketing consultancy industry, Eliza “Lai” Mercado and her husband Rick decided to continue the homemade cake business that was started by her mother-in-law, Corazon. The couple first established REM Advertising Office, and later on, Lai’s artistic skills and Rick’s analytical and marketing expertise gave birth to RCM Corazon’s Cake Shop, which showcased their advertising office’s capacity. Lai believes that the Go Negosyo MBA Franchising seminar gave them the confidence and assurance that they are going in the right direction.

Taking a leap of faith

After four years of working as a sales engineer, Edryan “Ryan” Alvina Lopez of Antipolo City noticed that the cost of living was getting more costly. At that time, it made sense to start a business so he could earn and save more for his future family. He then established Jem Quantum Edge Tech. Corporation in 2003, a company supplying quality materials and equipments for semiconductors, electronics, and other similar industries. After years of hard work, he began catering to big clients like Toshiba, Emerson, IMI, and Continental, among others. Ryan believed that the seminar helped him consider becoming a franchiser in the future.

Felicity in fulfilling a dream

Mae Suero of Parañaque City went to live with her cousin in Malaysia to equip herself with the knowledge that she needed to put up a milk tea business, which had been her dream. After her stay in Malaysia, she established Felici-tea, and at the age of 25, she already has expanded to three kiosks. Mae has received numerous inquiries if she is offering Felici-Tea as a franchise; especially since one of her kiosks is located in a well-known international school. This prompted her to attend the MBA on Franchising. As a young and determined entrepreneur, she never stops reading, researching, and attending seminars to help her grow her negosyo further.

We will be holding another MBA on Marketing and Innopreneurship in Cebu, Davao, Naga, Lipa, and Pampanga with the country’s leading marketing educator, Josiah Go. Also, in partnership with the ACE Center for Entrepreneurship and Management Education, Go Negosyo is organizing the Magandang Business Advice on Managing Enterprising Families with Andy Ferreria and Ricardo Mercado. At the same time, Negosem Basic’s fourth run will be at the end of this month. As entrepreneurs, we should never stop learning, so we hope to see you in our next sessions.