DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez championed smarter entrepreneurship at the hAFFI Franchising Bootcamp in Calamba, Laguna on July 10.

Lopez said smarter entrepreneurs get more return on their investment for the same effort because they innovate and adapt based on the customers' needs.

The boot camp is a collaboration between DTI-Calabarzon, through Regional Director Malou Toledo, and the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI).

In the three-day boot camp, entrepreneurs learned how to turn their business into a viable franchise.

Successful franchisers from AFFI mentored participants on branding and marketing, income process, selecting locations, legalities, HR management, and creating an operations manual.

Lopez said the boot camp, as well as DTI's programs, are aligned with President Rodrigo Duterte's vision of creating a more comfortable life for Filipinos.

Mentors include angelpreneurs Dean Pax Lapid, Jorge Wieneke, and Jenny Wieneke. (PR)