The Sugbo Negosyo Expo officially opens today, September 8 at the SM Seaside City Cebu, where 35 finalists of the program’s Season 2 proudly display their products at the 3-day trade fair.
The products on display range from local delicacies, souvenirs, hand-made crafts, processed food, and furniture, among others.
Gov. Gwen Garcia, in her speech, emphasized how the program is able to give a little push to Cebuano micro, small and medium entrepreneurs and help transform their lives.
Sugbo Negosyo started during the pandemic when Gov. Garcia initiated to help struggling small businesses recover and rise from the economic challenges.
She said the success stories of Season 1 winners are testament and “solid evidence” of how the program has changed the lives of many ordinary Cebuanos.
Since its launch, the program has already helped more than 18,000 beneficiaries through capital and mentoring assistance.
After the 3-day expo, the Top 10 Season 2 finalists will be chosen based on certain criteria. The ranking will then be reduced to Top 5.
The top winners are expected to receive monetary prizes contained in QR-coded cards from the Provincial Government which will be an added capital for the winning entrepreneurs.
Joining the governor at the launch were Provincial Board members, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Kellie Ko, MCCI past president Steven Yu, Department of Trade and Industry Cebu and regional officials, Marissa Fernan of SM Prime Holdings, and the mayors of the various towns and cities where most of these entrepreneur-finalists come from.
The SM mall management has been giving space to Capitol’s trade fairs like the Sugbo Negosyo Expo for free for many years now. | Carlo Lorenciana