ISSI Recognized for Supporting Small Business Growth
UP Diliman’s ISSI Honored for Empowering Philippine MSMEs
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The University of the Philippines Diliman’s Institute for Small and Scale Enterprises (ISSI) has received recognition for its impactful work in bolstering the growth and resilience of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the Philippines. The institute’s dedication to entrepreneurial development through its ENTRELEAD program – encompassing COPE and GABAy – has been lauded for substantially improving the knowledge, skills, and overall strength of Filipino MSMEs.
ENTRELEAD: A Dual Approach to MSME Development
ENTRELEAD represents a powerful synergy between two key ISSI advocacy programs: COPE (Communities of Practice for Entrepreneurship) and GABAy (Gaining Advancement through Business Advisory and Support Services). This collaborative approach allows ISSI to address the diverse needs of MSMEs, from foundational education to sustained growth support.
(image: Empowering local women entrepreneurs through hands-on mentoring and business planning under the GABAy Program. Photo from the ISSI)
COPE: Building Entrepreneurial Foundations
COPE focuses on providing accessible entrepreneurship education to individuals who may not or else have the chance. Recognizing that knowledge is power, COPE delivers both onsite and virtual training sessions covering a comprehensive range of essential business topics. These include:
Operations Management: Streamlining processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Strategic and Digital Marketing: Reaching target audiences and building brand awareness in the modern marketplace.
Human Resource Management: Building and managing effective teams.
Financial Literacy & Recording: Understanding financial statements, managing cash flow, and making informed financial decisions.
Business Continuity & Resilience Planning: Preparing for and mitigating potential disruptions to ensure long-term sustainability.
(Image: Enterprise Development Seminar-Workshop for the Lumad Bakwit School under the COPE program. Photo from the ISSI)
COPE’s commitment extends to reaching underserved communities, as demonstrated by its seminar-workshops for the Lumad Bakwit School, providing vital entrepreneurial skills to marginalized groups.
GABAy: Scaling and sustaining MSME Success
While COPE lays the groundwork, GABAy builds upon that foundation by offering targeted support for MSMEs looking to expand and thrive. GABAy’s services are designed to enhance efficiency,productivity,and overall sustainability. Key offerings include:
Online Mentorship: Connecting MSMEs with experienced mentors for personalized guidance.
Business Diagnostics: identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to inform strategic decision-making.
Digital Marketing support: Leveraging the power of online channels to reach new customers and grow sales.
GABAy provides a broad spectrum of services, delivered both online and in-person, ensuring accessibility and tailored support for businesses at various stages of development.
Looking Ahead: Formal Award Ceremony Pending
Kaye C. bravo, GABAy Program Leader, shared that the formal award ceremony is yet to be scheduled. However, the recognition itself underscores the notable impact ISSI is having on the Philippine MSME landscape.
this achievement highlights UP Diliman’s commitment to national development and its dedication to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs. With a report from the ISSI.