S.E.A.L. B.E.G.I.N. Empowers 30 Nano-Entrepreneurs in Cavite

Bacoor City, Cavite — February 10–13, 2026 — The S.E.A.L. B.E.G.I.N. (Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab – Business Education and Growth Initiative for Nano-entrepreneurs) program officially kicked off on February 10, 2026, at Gawaran Hall, 3rd Floor, Bacoor City Hall, bringing together 30 nano-entrepreneurs for an intensive four-day entrepreneurial development initiative designed to strengthen small businesses across Cavite.

The program is a collaborative effort among the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Cavite Provincial Office, Philippine Trade Training Center - Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA), BPI Foundation, Inc., BPI BanKo, and the Bacoor City Local Government Unit. The initiative aims to equip nano-entrepreneurs with practical knowledge in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, innovation, and digitalization to help them build sustainable and competitive enterprises.

The opening ceremony featured welcome remarks from Ms. Carmelita Gawaran, followed by keynote messages from Ms. Lilibeth Chavez of DTI Cavite, Mr. Gero Torres of BPI Foundation, Mr. Prax Carpio of PTTC, and Mr. Matt Peter Domingo of BPI BanKo Imus.

Sessions from Day 1 to Day 3 were led by Mr. Ruben Lanot, guiding participants in developing business plans, identifying target markets, improving bookkeeping, and refining their Business Model Canvases. A Mini Trade Fair and business pitch presentations showcased participants’ products and services, with selected entrepreneurs receiving cash grants from BPI Foundation.

The four-day initiative culminated with a Graduation Ceremony honoring 30 nano-entrepreneurs. City Mayor Strike B. Revilla delivered an inspiring message alongside Ms. Carmelita Gawaran, Councilors Mr. Rey Fabian, Mr. Horacio Brillantes Jr., Mr. Adrelito Gawaran, and Ms. Patricia Joy Ongkiko. Highlights of the ceremony included the awarding of cash grants from BPI Foundation to selected business pitch presenters, the distribution of Certificates of Completion, and the recognition of the Best Booth from the Mini Trade Fair.

The program concluded with closing messages from PD Lilibeth R. Chavez and Mr. Joseph Argente, encouraging participants to apply their learnings, strengthen their enterprises, and continue contributing to the local economy.

Through S.E.A.L. B.E.G.I.N., partner institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to empowering nano-entrepreneurs in Cavite demonstrating that with the right training, mentorship, and support, small businesses can thrive and create lasting community impact.