CEBU — Nineteen Cebuano micro, small, and medium enterprise owners proudly completed the Kapatid Mentor ME – Money Market Encounter (KMME-MME) program on July 31, 2026, during its 10th anniversary celebration. The ceremony at Golden Prince Hotel & Suites honored their dedication and the decade‑long public‑private mentorship that has reshaped local businesses.
A Decade of Business Mentorship
The Department of Trade and Industry Region 7 partnered with Go Negosyo to deliver the KMME program, which has now produced 1,139 graduates across 20 regional batches. Each mentee undergoes intensive coaching in marketing, finance, operations, and business planning. The program equips micro and small entrepreneurs with the skills to scale their ventures sustainably.
Over the past ten years, KMME has transformed countless neighborhood enterprises into competitive players. The curriculum emphasizes practical knowledge, from bookkeeping to digital marketing, ensuring that every participant leaves with a customized Business Improvement Plan. This plan then serves as their roadmap for expansion and resilience.
Cebu’s New Batch of Business Leaders
The 19 Cebu graduates came from diverse sectors, including food processing, retail, crafts, and personal services. They spent weeks mastering modules on entrepreneurial mindset, supply chain management, and human resources. The capstone activity required them to defend their Business Improvement Plans before a panel of bankers and industry experts, proving their readiness for growth.
Among the highlights was a fireside chat with Frances Espinosa, a KMME alumna and Growth Champion Awardee. She shared how mentorship helped her overcome early operational struggles and access wider markets. Her story inspired the new graduates to pursue bold goals and leverage the support networks now open to them.
Creating Jobs and Strengthening the Economy
The KMME program directly contributes to Cebu’s economic vibrancy by helping small businesses formalize operations and generate employment. Graduates often return to their communities to hire local workers, source raw materials from nearby suppliers, and participate in trade fairs. This grassroots approach ensures that economic growth reaches barangay levels.
DTI Region 7 officials underscored that the graduation marks the beginning of the entrepreneurs’ next phase. With their refined strategies and access to financing opportunities, these MSMEs are poised to scale up. The regional office remains committed to providing ongoing mentoring, trade promotion, and market linkages.
A Proven Model for Inclusive Growth
Since its launch in 2016, the KMME program has aligned with the Go Negosyo Act’s goal of fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. The public‑private partnership between DTI and Go Negosyo ensures that small business owners receive not only technical knowledge but also real‑world advice from seasoned business leaders. The 10th anniversary celebration reaffirmed the program’s lasting impact on Cebu’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
