BPI Foundation, DTI-PTTC empower entrepreneurs through business resiliency and sustainability webinars

BPI Foundation, the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), continues to promote the growth of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) through its “Show Me, Teach Me” program, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-Philippine Trade Training Center (DTI-PTTC).

Now in its 10th year, the capacity-building program has recently transformed into a 10-part webinar series with the theme “Show Me, Teach Me Goes New Normal” – focusing on business resiliency and sustainability for MSEs.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the micro and small entrepreneurs struggle to keep their businesses afloat, let alone thrive in this situation. Our goal is to provide a digital learning platform for MSEs to ensure that they are still equipped with practical knowledge on business resiliency and sustainability while continuing to grow their enterprises amid these trying times,” BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo said.

Over 1,000 Facebook viewers and Zoom session participants nationwide have already joined the first four learning sessions where they learned the basics and strategies of financial management, entrepreneurial framework in the “new normal”, and tips on pivoting small businesses.

Financial management

In the first “Show Me, Teach Me” learning session, Mr. Jesse Bernales from BPI Global Markets discussed the importance of financial management in the new economy. To stay on top of their finances, he advised MSEs to follow a strict budget plan, set up an emergency fund, and if financially ready, to invest and avail of insurance.

The second session was spearheaded by Ms. Maria Teresita Dimaculangan, a well-respected public accountant and educator. She shared her knowledge and expertise in strategic financial management. “The primary goal of any business is to grow by using internal funds from profits. Each and every business always deals in large amounts of money. Hence, finance and financial management play a crucial role in the successful and smooth functioning of any business,” she said.

Entrepreneurial framework

For the third “Show Me, Teach Me” session, Mr. JR Demacais, the Co-Founder and President of YGOAL, advised Filipino entrepreneurs to adapt to the new business landscape by maximizing the digital platforms. “Micro and small enterprises should start to embrace and learn fast to navigate the digital space in order to open new gateways for their businesses,” he said.

Pivoting small businesses

Two entrepreneurs, namely, Mr. Melchor Marandarte, an educator and owner of Sir Mong’s Food, and Ms. Maria Rebecca Valeram, the owner and founder of Avicrafts and Style, led the fourth learning session. The two shared tips on how viewers can repurpose their businesses to align with the current needs of consumers.

To adapt to the situation, Mr. Marandante advised MSEs to boost their social media presence, hone business skills, find the right network, create a system that will support and sustain their business, and pursue innovation.

Ms. Valeram recounted how she repurposed her business during this difficult time. “When the orders were getting thin, and the competitors were starting to pop up, we captured the attention of our customers by keeping them updated about our products. We always try to improve our designs and introduce something new,” she said.

Hoping to empower MSEs through the 10-part “Show Me, Teach Me” webinar series, Mr. Cammayo said, “We are committed to contributing to a better and financially inclusive Philippines, where every Filipino is empowered to live a better life.”