CITY Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy took a significant step towards empowering small entrepreneurs by launching a free program on September 7, Sheila Lumbatan, the Chief of Staff of the City Mayor's Office, confirmed.
Lumbatan said the program, known as 'Project HOPE' or Honest Opportunities for Philippine Entrepreneurs, was introduced at the City Tourism Hall alongside Jared Lance L. De Paz, the National Director of Project Hope for Northern Mindanao.
"The 'Project HOPE' initiative, a social enterprise, aims to provide a valuable livelihood program for small entrepreneurs within the city," said Lumbatan.
She said it is projected that approximately 250 entrepreneurs from various barangays, including solo parents, women, senior citizens, and members of the LGBTQ community, will be eligible to participate in the program and benefit from its offerings in the coming week.
The successful launch of this program is largely attributed to the efforts of the City Gender and Development Focal Point System, led by Lumbatan herself as the City GAD Focal Person.
The primary objective of the program is to empower and support small-scale entrepreneurs by equipping them with essential knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for business enhancement, according to Lumbatan.
To achieve this, the program will conduct training sessions on crucial subjects such as business management, financial literacy, marketing strategies, and product development.
She said these sessions aim to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of the participants and contribute to their overall business growth.
In addition to valuable training, participants will also have access to financial assistance, including grants or loans, to initiate or expand their businesses.
This financial support is intended to alleviate the common financial challenges faced by small entrepreneurs and provide them with the means to prosper and make a positive impact on the local economy.
Furthermore, the program emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in entrepreneurship.
By specifically targeting marginalized groups such as solo parents, women, senior citizens, and the LGBTQ community, it seeks to create equal opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
Mayor Klarex's launch of the 'Project HOPE' program demonstrates his commitment to fostering economic development and social empowerment at the grassroots level, Lumbatan stressed.
By offering this free livelihood program, Lumbatan said, he (mayor Uy) aims to uplift the lives of small entrepreneurs and promote an inclusive and sustainable local economy.
