CARD seminar inspires business enthusiasts

EQUIPPED with the knowledge and skills they gained from the one-day Entrepreneurship Seminar Workshop held on September 18 at the Bayanihan Centre, OFWs here in Hong Kong became part of CARD history.

There were almost a hundred participants, a record number, and they became more inspired and determined to accomplish their planned business. For those who already have a business, the seminar gave them more insights to help them run their business effectively.

The 98 eager participants who completed the training came from different batches of regular Financial Literacy and outreach sessions conducted by CARD OFW HK.

Participants were categorized into three groups; those without existing business, those with existing business, and those who have plans to go home for good soon. To further address their needs, the seminar also included sharing and question and answer portions to help participants understand the challenges of going into business.

The training centered on the following topics: qualities of a good entrepreneur, types of businesses, business cycle, how to run and monitor a business with the family while abroad and business planning 101.

Leading the training team was Marwin D. Mira- Senior Training Officer of CARD MRI Development Institute, Phils. (Visayas Chapter) joined by Vicky R. Munar- lead trainor of CARD OFW HK. CARD OFW HK trainors were also present.

The highlight of the training was the presentation of business plans where seven groups namely Puto de Leche, Yes- Rugs to Riches, Longganisa-rap, Golden Egg, Rice of my Life, Longganisa Pangmasa and Lifelong Longganisa presented the components of their agreed business as modeled from the Project Be (young professionals who are counterpart of CARD OFW HK).

Each group was guided by CARD trainors who acted as facilitators. Group representatives explained the details and defended their business plans to panel members Mira, Munar, Michelle
Rhea Yongque (resident coordinator, CARD OFW HK) and Maritess Mapa (CARD OFW Trainor and Board Member).

After the exciting and challenging presentation, “Rice of my Life” emerged as the Best Business Plan based on the criteria of completeness, feasibility, creativity and presentation. The winning group was facilitated by Madelia Galve.

Special awards were also given such as Makamasa Award to Lifelong Longganisa, Ambisyosa Award to Yes-Rugs to Riches, and Maria Klaro Award to Rice of my Life.

“Making a business plan is not that easy especially with time constraint but because of the cooperation of our group members and the knowledge and skills imparted to us on facets of business planning we did it, it was an inspiring activity indeed,” said Helen “Coco” Baltazar, one of the participants.

The said training ended with a high note as Rex Aguado, CARD OFW HK chair, gave his message to the participants.