NABUNTURAN, DAVAO DE ORO – The bustling province of Davao de Oro is gearing up to host the highly anticipated Davao de Oro MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) Week from July 21 to 26, which celebrates entrepreneurship and economic growth.
The exciting event, themed “Upgrade, Upskill, and Upsize MSMEs: Empowering MSMEs for Sustainable Development,” aims to equip local businesses with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao de Oro provincial director, lawyer Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque, said that the celebration serves as a platform to recognize the significant contributions of MSMEs to the local economy. He further noted that by focusing on upgrading, upskilling, and upsizing MSMEs, this event will help in empowering entrepreneurs and in creating an enabling environment for sustainable development.
Throughout the week, participants can expect a wide range of activities designed to enhance entrepreneurial capabilities, foster innovation, and promote business growth.
Some of the key highlights of the Davao de Oro MSME Week 2023 are the following:
- Opening Ceremony and Agri-Trade Fair on July 21-23. Being part of the Araw ng Nabunturan celebration, participants can showcase their offerings, conduct product demonstrations, and interact with potential customers, buyers, distributors, and partners. The primary goals of this fair are to promote agricultural products and services, facilitate trade and business opportunities, stimulate economic growth in the agricultural sector, and foster knowledge sharing and collaboration among industry stakeholders;
- Entrepreneurial and Productivity Training and Seminars on July 24-25. Experts will conduct training sessions covering various topics crucial for MSME development, such as entrepreneurial mind-setting and IPO application on July 24; new ATM features from RCBC that could support them in their businesses, and sustainable practices through a Business Expenses Savings Training on July 25. These sessions will provide entrepreneurs with valuable insights and practical strategies to optimize their businesses;
- Business Networking and Matching on July 25-26. Various networking events such as the Multi-Sectoral Industry Forum on TVET (July 25) and the MSME forum (July 26) will facilitate connections between MSMEs, potential investors, mentors, and industry leaders. These interactions will enable participants to forge partnerships, explore collaborations, and expand their networks for future growth;
- Financing Fair on July 26. The event will highlight financing options available to MSMEs, and connect them with financial institutions. This platform aims to bridge the gap between funding sources and promising enterprises, fostering access to capital for business expansion. This will be simultaneous with the MSME Forum conducted on the same day;
- Recognition and Awards on July 26. Davao de Oro MSME Week will celebrate and acknowledge exceptional MSMEs for successfully finishing the Kapatid Mento ME (KMME) Program. The awards ceremony will inspire others and provide well-deserved recognition to these exceptional entrepreneurs; and,
- Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) Mentorship Program Launching on July 26. This program aims to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who can provide valuable insights, guidance, and practical knowledge to help them navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Through this program, we seek to create a platform where students can gain real-world perspectives, enhance their entrepreneurial skills, and build meaningful relationships with industry professionals.
Balleque expressed his excitement about the upcoming event, stating that “Davao de Oro MSME Week is an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs to upgrade their skills, learn from industry experts, and seize growth opportunities. By empowering our MSMEs, we are paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for our province.”
The Davao de Oro MSME Week is seen as a catalyst for growth, encouraging innovation and promoting resilience among local businesses. By fostering an environment of entrepreneurship and collaboration, the event aims to strengthen the province’s economy and create opportunities for both established and aspiring entrepreneurs. ♦
Date of release: 14 July 2023