Successfully leveling up the Negosyo Seminar (NegoSem) as part of the commitment to provide entrepreneurship education to Filipino entrepreneurs, the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo held its two-day seminar-workshop Magandang Business Advice (MBA) at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Conference Center Manila last July 13 and 16.

The MBA is one of the three programs under the Go Negosyo Academy that focuses on next-level actions of venture planning and initiation. Unlike the NegoSem, participants are required to present an output as a product of their learning. A mix of aspiring entrepreneurs and small negosyantes made up the participants during the two-day run.

Go Negosyo Angelpreneurs, or mentors to entrepreneurs, shared their invaluable time and knowledge in the event. They were Mr. Ramon Lopez (Executive Director, Go Negosyo), Dean Francisco Lapid (former dean, Entrepreneurs School of Asia), Mr. Ardy Roberto (Salt & Light Ventures Co-Founder), Prof. Reuel Virtucio (Vice-President, Punla sa Tao Foundation) and Prof. Ning Lagman (Chairman, Credit Rating and Investor Services of the Philippines).

During the first day, Ardy Roberto talked about setting one’s mindset to find one’s passion in life and converting it as the ultimate reason in treading the entrepreneurial path. Dean Pax Lapid discussed the basics of spotting business opportunities, while Prof. Reuel Virtucio detailed the steps on conceptualizing and selling a product.

The second day started with the Pilipinas: Now Na! forum, which aims to expose the participants to the life and challenges of an entrepreneur. Mr. Rommel Juan of Binalot, Mr. Tommany Tan of Fern C and Mr. Federico Moreno of Ystilo Salon were featured as panelists, with Executive Director Mon Lopez serving as the moderator. Right after the forum is the individual mentoring session, where each participant was given the chance to consult directly with the angelpreneurs.

Towards the end of the MBA, three participants presented their own business plans, where the panelists actively gave their comments. These are Edgardo Tengco (photobooth), Louanne Mae Calipayan (Crafty Custom Toppers), and Berna Rabe Cruz (Tanalot Foot and Body Massage).

Participants were happy with the seminar. They have given encouraging remarks, such as:

-Good job!!! Sobrang sulit ng seminar na ito. I’ve learned a lot. Thank you and God bless…
-Though we were not given enough time to answer the assignment, it made us realize the businesses that we really want to do.
- It was a great experience. Hope to attend more soon. You have a great vision for the future of the country.

With the success of the MBA, Go Negosyo is planning to improve the program further to cater to specific issues in entrepreneurship. Watch out for the next MBA!