Monday, June 09, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
“IT’S time to get to work.”
This was what Jonathan Aldeguer, chairman of the Go Negosyo conference in Cebu, said during a press briefing last Friday as he stressed the role of entrepreneurship in poverty alleviation.
Aldeguer said would-be entrepreneurs should start according to their individual interests. But he admitted that at present, the most viable businesses are in housing, clothing and food.
Edward Gaisano, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), agrees. He also said the easiest way to establish a niche is go into tourism, and information and communication technology (ICT) – these being areas where Cebu is positioned to excel in.
Ma. Teresa Chan, chairperson of this year’s Cebu Business Month, suggested trade while CCCI tourism committee chairperson Mila Espina pointed out pre-school education as possible area for investment.
Danny Arcenas, president of the Rural Bank of the Philippines, said would-be entrepreneurs should look into supply and demand when considering where to invest.
When it comes to overcoming obstacles in business, Justin Uy, founder of Profood International Corp., said “your will is your puhunan. (capital)”
When the Go Negosyo team first held a conference here last year, a number of speakers were invited to inspire the Cebuanos to go into business.
“Being a catalyst of change will help us move forward,” said Ramon Lopez, executive director of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship.
This year’s Go Negosyo conference, though, will be different.
“The Go Negosyo conference program this year is tweaked a little bit,” Aldeguer said. He added that the Go Negosyo team will still be bringing in speakers who are “celebrities in their own right” to give inspiration to Cebuanos.
But for most part of the program, he said, there will be workshops on how one can start a business.
Last Friday, previous awardees of the Most Inspiring Cebuano Entrepreneurs, given by Go Negosyo, were also present to advise potential entrepreneurs in starting a business.
Aldeguer, who was given a special recognition by the Go Negosyo team last year, said most entrepreneurs are into business because “they love what they do.”
Steve Benitez, founder of Bo’s Coffee, said it is important to find what one wants to do. “As a child, I’ve always wanted to start something and make it big,” he added. (DME)
___________________________________________________________________
