These businessmen and women have been recipients of the Citi Micro-entrepreneur of the Year Awards (CMA) in the last 10 years since the program was created.
The CMA Program, according to Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. Chairperson Mila Mercado- Bunker, is “a celebration of economic triumph amidst great odds at the grassroots level.”
“We have seen the transformation of these micro-entrepreneurs—from budding handicraft-makers to producers of world class quality products,” Mercado-Bunker said.
She added: “They have become responsible employers and role models of good citizenship—local economic heroes in their own right.”
Here are more great tips from these local economic heroes:
· Carina Gonato, lumpia seller
o Update yourself on what customers think and like about your product.
o Strive to learn how to improve your business.
o Read books and surf the Internet for pointers on how to be successful.
o Keep pursuing your goals.
· Felicidad Kalalo, copra products dealer
o Without trust and honesty, your business will never grow.
o If you borrow money, you must pay it back. Be regular with your payments so you can borrow again to grow your business.
o Be alert to how your business is going. If it is too slow and you’re losing money, look for another business.
o Do not be afraid of starting over.
o Most important, work hand-in-hand with your spouse.
· Ester Lumbo, pandan products entrepreneur
o With or without competition, work hard on your business and never give up.
o Make sure that production is on schedule and all orders are delivered on time.
o Give your customers beautiful and original designs to choose from.
o Careful planning is the key to a successful business.
· Consuelo Valenzuela, sabutan products entrepreneur
o Never borrow what you cannot afford to pay back.
o Do not take too many loans at one time, especially if your business is seasonal.
o Know when it is the right time to make a loan.
o Follow your repayment schedule strictly.
o Keep a list of things you have to do and complete each day.
· Cherry Yack, Sr., cassava cake businessman
o Avoid all vices because they take away from your time, your health, and your money.
o Do not let your workers do all the work for you, but make sure the people you hire are as hardworking as you.
o Always persevere and believe that God will lead you to your goal.
