THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) launched a year-long program geared at inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit of Cebuanos.

Dubbed as People (People Enhancing Opportunities, Propelling Leadership Excellence), the program will feature established and new entrepreneurs from the province.

"Matod Pa Sa Lola ni Noy Kulas." Join the story-writing contest on Cebuano folklore and win prizes.

“They are role models who (have) asserted a degree of leadership in the community. Others are coming from the grassroots, operating successfully their small-time businesses,” said Mila Espina, one of chairpersons of People.

During its launch last Wednesday at SM City Cebu, People showcased stories of Eva de los Santos of T-shirt brand Lokal, Bunny Pages of Pages Holdings Inc. and Ester Basata, a manicurist for 36 years.

One of the activities of the Cebu Business Month (CBM), People will run from July this year to May 2010 and will be participated in by at least 12 Cebu-based schools.
During the launch, de los Santos urged the public to keep a positive attitude and to keep working hard to achieve their dreams.

Lokal was established in 1992. It now has three retail outlets in Cebu.

Pages, on the other hand, told would-be entrepreneurs to do what they want to do and maintain a positive outlook.

Pages Holdings Inc. owns and operates various businesses, including Mooon Cafe, My Playroom, Bright Academy and Thirsty.

Basata, a widow from Mandaue City, provides manicure, pedicure and massage services to more than 10 regular clients a day.

“You must know how to take care of your customers and provide the best quality service to them so that they will keep coming back to you,” she said in Cebuano.

The second episode of People will be featured today at the Cebu International Convention Center.