Village Connect
Filipino entrepreneurs took their business lessons beyond the classroom as KalyeNegosyo celebrated the graduation of Batch 11 while launching its first-ever BizFest, creating a marketplace where emerging entrepreneurs could showcase their products, meet consumers, and experience the realities of selling firsthand.
The milestone reflects KalyeNegosyo’s 13-year advocacy of helping micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses through practical education and mentorship. From 400 applicants, 46 entrepreneurs were chosen for the free four-month program, with 43 successfully completing the training.
Rather than focusing solely on theories, the program draws from the experiences of established entrepreneurs and business professionals. Participants receive guidance designed to help them understand operations, marketing, financial management, customer relations, and the challenges involved in building a sustainable enterprise.
The inaugural three-day KalyeNegosyo BizFest became a natural extension of that learning experience. Graduates were given an opportunity to bring their products directly to the public, allowing them to observe customer response, improve their selling strategies, and gain greater confidence in presenting their businesses.
Century Properties supported the initiative by providing the venue, while Condura joined as a major sponsor. During the event, Lenard Dumlao of Lenard Sisig won an upright chiller in a raffle. UB Negosyante also provided information on business banking solutions and convenient account-opening services.
Adding another dimension to the event was the Franchise Party organized by the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI). Spearheaded by AFFI Vice President Mickey Wieneke, the activity brought together 15 franchisors, allowing prospective entrepreneurs to sample their products while learning about franchise opportunities through presentations.
Among the event’s keynote speakers were Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice President of SM Supermalls and Program Director of SM Cares Children & Youth, and Jay A. Acar, Acting Regional Director of DTI-NCRO.
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was attended by Sushi Lorenzana of Century Properties; Cabunag; Acar; KalyeNegosyo founder Jorge Wieneke; and KalyeNegosyo Board Trustee and Administrator Jenny Wieneke.
Since its establishment 13 years ago, KalyeNegosyo has reached entrepreneurs in Ilocos, Pangasinan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and other communities, graduating more than 1,000 participants across 11 batches.
Built around the philosophy to “encourage, enable, and empower,” KalyeNegosyo continues to provide entrepreneurs with practical tools and mentorship rather than promises of instant success.
With Batch 11 and its first BizFest, the organization is taking that mission further—transforming entrepreneurship education into actual marketplace experience and giving Filipino business owners another platform to learn, connect, and grow.
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