UP ISSI GABAy Open House Mentoring Empowers 42 MSMEs
The University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) recently held its GABAy Open House Mentoring Program as part of its anniversary celebration from August 29 to 31, 2023. GABAy is UP ISSI’s flagship advocacy program that aims to accelerate the growth and sustainability of MSMEs by providing mentoring and marketing support.
The program was attended by 42 individuals who sought assistance on marketing, operations, human resources, and finance. They were matched with 14 mentors from UP ISSI’s Business Enterprise Development Division, Training and Entrepreneurship Education Division, and Research Division.
The mentors provided personalized advice to the entrepreneurs to help them diagnose and resolve their operational issues. In addition to helping those who were already running businesses, the mentors also extended their assistance to individuals who had not yet taken the leap into entrepreneurship. They also encouraged the mentees to attend the training programs offered by UP ISSI to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.
The mentees include 18 members of the Metro Manila Vendors Alliance (MMVA) which is based in the National Capital Region. The MMVA is an alliance of informal sector vendors, mostly ambulant vendors selling food and non-food products. The MMVA sought UP ISSI’s aid in enhancing their marketing efforts, with a particular focus on producing marketing materials and exploring online marketing opportunities.
The said vendors were mentored by Mr. Uziel Guthrie D. Naguit and Ms. Karen Kay Bravo-Coballes from the Business and Enterprise Development Division. A follow-up mentoring session is scheduled for September 7, 2023 where three (3) MMVA members will receive training on creating brochures.
Read more about GABAy here:
GABAy Program: Helping MSMEs Survive and Thrive in the New Normal