QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is continuously gaining grounds as it marks another success story from one of its beneficiaries.
KMME is a 10-module coaching and mentoring program designed for micro entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities by accessing the essential capital for business startups which are identified as Mentorship, Money, and Market (3Ms).
The said program is under the Project KAPATID which was jointly initiated by the DTI and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) in an effort to provide the necessary assistance to the micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the country.
Since its inception in 2016, the KMME offered an opportunity for MSEs to thrive amidst the competitive industry demands especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when the economic landscape of the country faced multiple setbacks.
Karen Abrecea-Dela Cruz, one of the mentees of the KMME, attested to the benefits of the program in terms of empowering the MSEs sector.
“During the pandemic, the biggest challenge I faced in running my business was the uncertainty of the situation. The impact of the pandemic on the economy, government policies, and consumer behavior was unprecedented, and it was challenging to predict the future,” said Dela Cruz, citing her motivation to join the KMME Program.
“The mentorship program provided Ms. Karen with guidance and support in all aspects of her business, but the biggest benefits were in marketing and branding, financial management, and team-building,” according to DTI National Capital Region (NCR).
Dela Cruz owns a company that specializes in event styling services and through the learning she received from the KMME Program, she was able to foster a more consumer-oriented business.
DTI NCR features the success story of Karen Abrecea-Dela Cruz as one of the mentees under the KMME Program. (Photo Courtesy: DTI NCR)
The KMME also allowed Dela Cruz to increase her profits and widen her customer base by developing targeted marketing campaigns and strategies.
“As an entrepreneur, I aim to be a servant leader. I strive to learn from others by keeping an open mind and being willing to be taught. I also prioritize listening to feedback from my team and implementing effective change when necessary. I believe that effective communication and empathy are crucial for a positive work environment,” Dela Cruz highlighted.
The KMME-MME Online is the digital counterpart of the KMME which was developed during the pandemic to facilitate participation despite the physical constraints. It also integrated the Money Market Encounter (MME) which aided in the transition of businesses to new normal market conditions.
Aside from the KMME, Project KAPATID also encapsulates the Adopt-an SSF (Shared Service Facility) Program which aims to improve the access of MSMEs to the different machinery, equipment, and technologies that are needed for their business.
The SSF is the flagship program of the DTI that seeks to increase industry productivity and job generation through a strategic public-private partnership. (PIA-NCR)
