CEBU – The Department of Trade and Industry Region 7 (DTI-7) successfully conducted its Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP), You Can BYOB! (Be Your Own Boss) workshop in June 2024. This practical, activity-based, learner-centered training is designed to equip youth with essential business skills, empowering them to conceive, design, and launch their own businesses by the end of the program.

The workshop was a collaborative effort, with DTI 7 partnering with the local government unit (LGU) of Asturias, lead by Vice Mayor Melvin Justin M. Labuca, and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including JCI Metro Cebu Uptown.

Twenty-eight (28) youth participants from Asturias and Balamban were carefully selected by LGU Asturias to join the free intensive program. The diverse group included two (2) out-of-school youths (OSY), three (3) participants from the alternative learning system (ALS), and several in-school youths.

During the four-day workshop, participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum covering 18 key business topics, including the basics of business concepts, business operations, basic accounting, preparing presentations, and business pitches. Participants were also grouped according to their business interests, with each group receiving guidance from a dedicated DTI Master Trainer or Trainer.

The program culminated in all youth participants successfully completing the training and presenting their group business pitches and Business Model Canvases (BMC). These presentations showcased the innovative ideas and business acumen developed during the workshop, highlighting the potential of the youth to become future entrepreneurs.

Depending on the businesses they pursue, DTI 7 may accommodate the youth-participants through its flagship programs, including the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Online, One Town One Product (OTOP), STARTUPISLAND.PH (SIPH), and the recently revived Digital Services Entrepreneurs Advancement Mentoring (DREAM) Program.

Agri-based participants will also be linked to the Department of Agriculture (DA) for its Youth Farmers Challenge. DTI 7 is also set to conduct its Youth Bootcamp for Young Entrepreneurs program this year.

Supported by its LGU, Vice Mayor Labuca said that they are committed to promoting inclusive growth and development through the enhancement of trade and industry in Asturias, hence the partnership with DTI 7. (DTI 7/PR) ♦

Date of release: 24 June 2024

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