The year 2015 had been very rewarding for micro-entrepreneurs Ester Sheila Vitto and Victoria Bantilan. The two small business owners were recognized by the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards for the feat they have achieved for their respective micro-enterprises.
Since receiving their respective awards last year, which also included generous cash grants that they’ve reinvested into their businesses, these two successful micro-entrepreneurs have begun reaping the benefits of the recognition gained.
Vitto is now in the process of completing a new manufacturing site slated to open this year, which was partly financed from the proceeds of her cash prize. Through this facility, Vitto’s Bahag Footwear and Repair Shop in Oriental Mindoro can now increase production and take in more orders of slippers and sandals, all made from recycled rubber.
She is also more confident in her ability to expand beyond Oriental Mindoro, and is looking into franchising as a means to help other micro-business owners.
Meanwhile, Bantilan and her husband Roberto have just added a half-hectare lot for organic red and brown rice production, which they grow in addition to mushrooms. Apart from this, they are also looking into expanding their mushroom harvest by way of constructing a new growing house, again using the proceeds from the money that she won.
Even with these achievements, Vitto and Bantilan refuse to rest on their laurels. The two businesswomen still find the need for further learning and knowledge, particularly in the areas of entrepreneurship and business management.
With their CMA award, the two were fortunate to be part of the 50th batch of the Citi Microenterprise Development Center program.
Launched in 2011, CMDC provides for training for micro-entrepreneurs. The program is a partnership between Citi Philippines and the Bayan Academy for Social Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Development, Inc.
Vito and Bantilan, together with other CMDC scholars, spent nine days under the Grassroots Entrepreneurship and Management course to learn the different facets of enterprise management including self-mastery, situation mastery and enterprise mastery. The lectures were facilitated by experts who understand the unique business operations and workings of a microenterprise.
CMDC recently held the graduation rites for its 50th batch of micro entrepreneur-scholars. Citi Philippines Public Affairs and Corporate Citizenship director Aneth Lim was present to congratulate the graduates. Lim also encouraged them to take full advantage of this life-changing opportunity by making a real difference not only in their families but also in their communities.
“The future of this nation lies in your hardworking hands,” asserted Lim. “We hope you value the investment we have made in you, and pay it forward by growing your businesses, sharing your knowledge and skills, and continuing to fuel your success with your courage and determination.”
CMDC will continue to support the scholars after graduation as they transition to the Citi-Small Business Advisory and Coaching Services (Citi-SBACS) where they are provided with one-on-one business coaching and mentoring on issues such as marketing, finance, human resources, operations, and regulatory requirements.