Union Bank of the Philippines is giving small business owners a boost with a six-week program covering everything from product development and cash management to digital marketing and artificial intelligence.
The Aboitiz-led lender launched its first UB Negosyante BoostCamp to equip micro, small and medium enterprises with practical skills they can use to strengthen their businesses.
UnionBank chief marketing officer Albert Cuadrante welcomed participants, while chief human resources officer Michelle Rubio encouraged entrepreneurs to put what they learn into practice.
“Learning becomes more meaningful when it is translated into action,” Rubio said.
The program opened with a session on entrepreneurial product innovation led by entrepreneur and mentor Jorge Wieneke, who has nearly four decades of experience working with businesses including Potato Corner and Tokyo Tempura.
Wieneke encouraged participants to start by observing their customers, saying changes in their needs and behavior can point to new products and business opportunities.
“Product development is turning your idea into reality,” he said.
He also cautioned entrepreneurs against becoming too comfortable with what already works as consumer preferences, technology and competition evolve.
His advice boiled down to three points: “See it. Believe in it. Act on it.”
Participants later discussed challenges they face in running their businesses and exchanged experiences with fellow entrepreneurs.
UnionBank University head Jokes Wolf also addressed the group, highlighting the courage, perseverance and determination behind building a business.
Over the next several weeks, participants will tackle funds flow and cash management, brand building, marketing, digital marketing and AI before completing the program with a graduation.
BoostCamp forms part of UnionBank’s “Uplifting Lives, Uplifting Generations” corporate social responsibility program, which seeks to support entrepreneurs and the communities that depend on their businesses.
