DTI launches youth entrepreneurship program in Bangsamoro

THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Monday that it launched a youth entrepreneurship training program in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez at the virtual launch said the program will offer training for business pitching, self-employment, and trade fair participation.

“The program will encourage and embolden the participation of MSME (micro-, small-, and mediumsized enterprise) enablers in supporting youth entrepreneurship development and promotion in the region,” he said.

The national Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) targets entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 from youth organizations and indigenous groups. The program is also for people with disabilities, students, and young people that are neither employed nor in school.

Already rolled out in other regions, the program has assisted over 14,500 young entrepreneurs this year as of mid-July, Mr. Lopez said.

The program is backed by the United States Agency for International Development Opportunity 2.0 program for out-of-school youth. The training program, designed before the pandemic, was delayed and moved online last year, the Education Development Center said in August 2020.

“Through this partnership, the entrepreneurship activities of Opportunity 2.0 are integrated into the YEP implementation,” Mr. Lopez said.

He added that the participants can join current DTI entrepreneurship programs.

“Please join our startup economy and be linked to our startup ecosystem from our acceleration programs, mentors, co-working spaces, startup networking events, competitions, and possible venture funding.” —