Flying
High in Loyola Heights: SMART Entrepreneurial Program visits the Ateneo
The SMART Entrepreneurial Program (SEP) recently made a stop at the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Loyola Heights, Quezon City. The SEP has been to numerous colleges and universities nationwide, promoting the values of entrepreneurship and key insights into starting one's own business. Speakers are brought in to address graduating seniors as well as unemployed individuals who are looking at entrepreneurship as a viable alternative in making a living. On this particular occasion, the SEP visited the home of the Blue Eagles.
The Escaler Hall at the Science Education Complex served as the backdrop for the latest SEP installment. Sponsored by the Ateneo's Management Engineering Association and backed by the John Gokongwei School of Management, this SEP session started with faculty member Mr. Arturo Valencia praising the SEP for raising the entrepreneurial spirit of the Ateneo. "We want to build employers, not employees," Valencia said, adding that "the SMART Entrepreneurial Program is indicative of that intention."
Mr. Butz Bartolome, President of GMB Franchise Developers and Consultancy Firm, discussed entering in to the franchising business. Mr. Bartolome addressed topics as broad as attitudes in the workplace, exploring opportunities, as well as developing niche markets, and gaining an audience through word of mouth. For his part, SEP Agent Coordinator Andre Zapanta introduced the students to the world of SMART Entrepreneurship
To Popo Yambao and JD Uy, both graduating seniors taking up Management Engineering, the SEP was a welcome sight, particularly because of their graduating status. "Some of us are already looking for jobs," Popo stated. "We really found the talk on franchising interesting," she continued. JD added that he sees the SEP and the lectures given as, "not just for those who have finished their education. It's also for the unemployed." Popo herself seemed to be intrigued with the notion of putting up her own SMART Load center within here village. Both agreed though that they were thankful for SMART for visiting their school and showing them some insight into the life of an entrepreneur. "Entrepreneurship is a risk, but it's also a way of getting into your own business." That's a notion that these Ateneans certainly seemed to be intrigued with.
Note:
This article appeared as an advertorial in the Sunday Inquirer Magazine
last February 6, 2005.