PLDT opens nomination for search of country’s top SME entrepreneurs

NOMINATIONS are now open for top entrepreneurs in the country as the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Nation officially launched in Cebu the 4th MVP Bossing Awards.

In a press conference yesterday, PLDT SME Nation assistant vice-president and marketing head Amil Azurin said they hope to get 500 nominations for this batch.

He said the target is attainable because of the Filipino’s inherent entrepreneurial skills as well as openness to innovation and use of technology in business operations.

He said Filpinos are entrepreneurial by nature.

Citing studies from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report, Azurin said the Philippines ranked third in terms of the highest level of entrepreneurial activities and entrepreneurs, scoring better than India and China.

He said they are confident to find the best “Bossing” in the country for this season given the penetration of SMEs in the country. SMEs, he said, are the backbone of the Philippine economy. They account for 99.6 percent of the total number of firms in the country, employ 70 percent of the labor force and contribute 60 percent of the export volume and earnings.

Azurin said there are a lot of qualified SMEs whose contribution to the economy need to be recognized and whose success stories need to be shared to serve as inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs.

He also said that recognition should also be given to entrepreneurs who have embraced
and maximized technology to expand their business.

The 2013 MVP Bossing Awards theme is Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon-Championing Filipino Values in Business. According to the company, the award will pay tribute to local business leaders who exhibit Filipino entrepreneurial and leadership values such as creativity, perseverance, and determination in successfully managing their business operations.

The nomination is open until Oct.17. The awards night is scheduled on Nov. 22

Models

“We continue to search for individuals who embody the essence of excellent entrepreneurship and join the roster of 36 Pinoy Bossings who have served as role models and inspiration to their peers to the greater entrepreneurial community,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, PLDT SME Nation head and vice-president.

Winners will be featured in a year-long multimedia campaign that will give wide market exposure of their products or services.

Mon Lopez, executive director of Go Negosyo said the award is also meant to empower local entrepreneurs to have positive entrepreneurial mindset for them to successfully advance their business.

Go Negosyo has been a partner of PLDT SME Nation in promoting entrepreneurship in the country.

Lopez, also cited technology as an important factor in advancing businesses as it helps increase sales, optimize operations, do market research and reach out to target clients.

“It was technology that helped Selecta’s Magnum product create a market phenomenon. It has wiped out the inventory,” said Lopez.

Willy Tee Ten, president of The Autohub Group of Companies and 2012 Bossing awardee, said technology helped his business grow.

“Apart from working hard, entrepreneurs should also learn to be working smart, by embracing technology,” Ten said.

Jay Aldeguer, president and chief executive officer of the Islands Group of Companies, also said the company’s adoption of technology has helped his hotel business, Island Stays, sustain its growth.

He attributed the 100 percent occupancy of its Mactan branch in the first four months of operation to the Internet and social networking sites. Aldeguer also said they no longer depend much on travel agencies to get bookings as 98 percent of their guest book online.

3 Cebuanos

Since the awards inception in 2010, three Cebuano entrepreneurs have made it to the top 12 finalists namely Aldeguer in 2010, Steve Benitez of Bo’s Coffee in 2011, and Justin Uy of Profoods International Corp. in 2012.

The 2012 MVP Grand Bossing Award was given to Socorro Ramos of the National Bookstore.

PLDT SME Nation community consultancy head Gabby Cui said the award is open to all types of homegrown enterprises in the country with at least five years of operation.

Nominees should be current PLDT Business subscriber.

The 2013 MVP Bossing Award is co-presented by Sun Business.