Seek business counseling, DTI tells budding entreps
The Department of Trade and Industry 6 is urging budding entrepreneurs to seek business counseling before deciding to start an enterprise.
DTI 6 information officer Ruby Melliza said they are offering free business counseling to help entrepreneurs, cooperatives and local investors to decide on where to put their hard-earned capital.
Among the services offered by the DTI include looking for potential investors and buyers, improved packaging of products, starter kits for individuals and groups, and assessment of the profitability and marketability of the services or product.
Counseling will help the entrepreneurs assess if they have the grit and tools to sustain their business despite economic challenges, Melliza said.
She said the DTI is also helping Ilonggo producers on how to promote their products in the national and international markets.
DTI holds free business counseling sessions every second Tuesday and Thursday of the month at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Building.
Countryside Business
Meanwhile, the DTI is also urging entrepreneurs to start a business in the countryside.
DTI, through its weekly radio program Unlad Pinoy Program, has been reaching listeners in the provincial area and hoping that the entrepreneurship program will raise the awareness and consciousness of its listeners in opening businesses in countryside.
Melliza said the radio program, aired every Saturday, 9 to 9:30 a.m., over Bombo Radyo, aims to create additional jobs and develop economic activity in the municipalities.
There have been varied positive feedbacks from listeners, as well as queries on how to improve their business in rural areas, she said.
Also featured are tips and free business promotions, consumer welfare advocacies and testimonies from successful Ilonggo entrepreneurs.
DTI’s radio program also discusses the rights and responsibilities of consumers, retailers, trade laws, and small and medium enterprises, and main products of provinces in the region such as the One Town, One Product initiative.
The radio program has already featured the coco-sugar and loom weaving of Aklan, the muscovado sugar of Antique, dried and various products from Guimaras, and food products from Iloilo.
Melliza said they have already featured some 70 successful SMEs and cooperatives all over the region.*PNA
