UP program trains young entrepreneurs under ‘BEST for the Youth’ initiative

Thirteen young participants recently completed the Building Entrepreneurial Skills Training (BEST) for the Youth program of the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI).

Through the extension grant funding of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development, the project team from the Training and Entrepreneurship Education Division of UP ISSI launched the seven-session capacity-building program, gathering 20 participants aged 18-24.

Delivered through face-to-face training sessions, the BEST for the Youth program aimed to equip the vulnerable groups within the youth sector with the basic entrepreneurial skills, business knowledge, and essential startup competencies which will promote productivity and economic empowerment while promoting diversity and inclusion.

Asst. Professor Melanie M. Moraga-Leaño, director of the institute, emphasized the significance of empowering young people through entrepreneurship, and encouraged the completers to apply honor and excellence in creating businesses that will provide opportunities for others.

To help them develop viable business ideas and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship in the Philippine context, participants explored key topics such as basic productivity tools, green productivity, fundamentals of marketing, introduction to digital marketing, personnel requirements and government registration, and basic accounting, and commenced with the presentation and evaluation of their Business Model Canvas.

Industry experts, experienced mentors, and UP ISSI trainers and resource speakers guided the participants through practical workshops and collaborative exercises.

Project Leader Jake Villanueva and Assistant Project Leader Marvin Manlapas said the initiative reflects the institute’s commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while fostering a new generation of socially responsible youth entrepreneurs.