Saturday, October 07, 2006 TV program gives would-be entrepreneurs seed money
TO help develop the Cebuanos’ entrepreneurial skills, a reality show on the “real life drama” of putting up a small business will be launched today.
Kapamilyang Negosyo, a project initiated by Jonie Chan, executive director of the Cebu City United Multi-sectoral Coordinating Council, aims to gather aspiring entrepreneurs to attend a livelihood training program and come up with their own business plan.
Chan said the program will provide a capital of P10,000 to each of the proponents of 10 “most promising” business proposals that will be selected by a committee.
Rene Paquibot of the University of San Carlos said business proposals will be evaluated on the basis of clarity of business plan, viability of the project, and “if the project is deserving of the capital.”
Chan said the P10,000 capital is enough to put up a business involving juice-making, meat processing, ham making, trading, services and other livelihood projects.
“Their day-to-day experiences in registering their businesses to putting it into actual operation, and all the highlights will be aired over dyAB and ABS-CBN Cebu,” Chan told Sun.Star Cebu during a media forum held at the Entertainment Center of SM City Cebu yesterday.
Grand prize
He said the committee, which will be composed of representatives from ABS-CBN Cebu and the University of San Carlos (USC) College of Commerce, will choose a grand prize winner from among the 10 shortlisted proposals.
“The most successful business after the three-month program will earn the grand prize money,” he said.
Chan did not disclose the amount of the grand prize, as this will depend on the type of business “that made it successfully.”
“The grand prize money is something they can use for further expansion,” USC College of Commerce alumni association president Devin Go said.
“We must not let the fear of losing keep us from being good entrepreneurs,” USC president Fr. Mark Mathias said. He said that for businesses to succeed, a huge amount of perseverance and discipline is necessary.
ABS-CBN newscaster Leo Lastimosa said the project is considered to be a “first in the industry.”
“Instead of the usual news about politicians, this project is a big break since we are able to bring back something to our community,” Lastimosa said.
According to Lastimosa, apart from the capital, contestants will have the opportunity to market and advertise their business at no additional cost.
Through free seminars and consultations, Chan is also encouraging other businessmen and students to attend.
During the media forum, more than 50 individuals have signed up for the program. (MMM)
