A TOTAL of 105 entrepreneurs in Davao Region are expected to graduate between July to September this year after completing the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The ten-module program was launched in 2016, a coaching and mentorship approach where large corporations teach small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on different aspects of business operation.
As of December 31, 2018, the program has a total of 355 graduates. They are business starters when they started in the program and are now continually operating their business with enhanced skills and knowledge in managing their business. One qualification to become a mentee is for a person to have a business for at least a year in operation.
DTI-Davao SME development division chief Marie Ann How told SunStar Davao in a text message Tuesday, April 30, the agency have been providing 20 to 25 accredited mentors that can guide them by given them fundamentals on how to start a business.
Accredited mentors are invited to also talk about marketing strategies to the participants such as selling products, proper packaging of products, the cost, the distribution channels and specific aspects on operation and financial management.
“For startups businesses there is a need to mentor them so they can put their businesses properly and successfully. It’s difficult to put up a business on a ‘hit and miss’ style since it is so expensive. Mentors do provide guidance,” How said.
How said that the agency will Strengthening the mentorship program is also one reason why the DTI-Davao partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment-Davao in the 2019 Labor Day job fair at the Gaisano Mall.
Aside from the opportunity of job-seekers in the city to get a job from almost 7,000 local and overseas job vacancies, DTI will also be around to accommodate those who may want to venture the business industry and give livelihood opportunities. (LHC)