A grand prize of P1 million awaits the next champion of Sugbo Negosyo Season 3.
This was revealed during a meeting at the Capitol on May 8 attended by the technical working group (TWG) of the 100-million-peso Capitol initiative aimed at helping micro Cebuano entrepreneurs bring their businesses to the next level.
“Let’s put our eyes on the price. Let’s not lose sight of our goal. It’s not really to please as many people as possible. We choose the person whom we believe will represent the best of the Cebuano spirit as entrepreneurs,” Gov. Gwen Garcia said during the meeting.
Also in attendance were members of the Provincial Board, led by Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III; Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) past presidents Kelie Ko and Steven Yu; and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu director Rose Mae Quiñanola.
Under the program, qualified beneficiaries will receive mentorship from established members of the MCCI and expert personnel of DTI, as well as receive Capitol grant of P200,000 to help improve their products and offerings.
While Capitol and its partners, the MCCI and DTI, are finalizing the guidelines, the criteria for eligible participants have already been established.
Only businesses that have been operational for at least three to five years will be eligible, as this gives them a better chance of succeeding given that they have been in the market for a considerable time already.
They could be engaged in producing and selling food products and delicacies, arts and crafts, souvenir items, furniture, gifts, toys, housewares, homemade skincare or beauty products, pottery, footwear, fashion accessories, and restaurants serving Cebuano cuisine, among others.
The Provincial Board has been charged to screen and select the beneficiaries in order to equally distribute the opportunity among Cebu’s seven legislative districts. The offices of the 17 Board Members are allotted 25 slots each, while the office of the Vice Governor is given 75 slots since his constituency comprises of not just a single district but the entire province.
All in all, there will be 500 Sugbo Negosyo qualified beneficiaries this season, a decision consciously made by the TWG in order to maximize the program’s benefits, prioritizing micro-entrepreneurs whose products are “a cut above the rest” and represent the best of the Cebuano entrepreneurial spirit. | BJR