Biggest gathering of entrepreneurs set

MANILA, Philippines -  In what could be the biggest gathering of entrepreneurs, the 6th “Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-sari Store Convention” unfolds May 18 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City where around 150,000 members of “Tindahan ni Aling Puring” members are expected to attend aside from non-members who want to start their own business.

Carrying a theme “SIKAP – Sari-sari Store, Itaguyod Kasama ang Puregold,” the said event will have around 350 booths including a special area for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may venture into putting up a sari-sari store or a mini-grocery.

As part of its active partnership with different government agencies to help OFWs start their own small business, migrant workers and their families will be taught on how to start their own business and have an alternative livelihood through the country’s esteemed business experts.

Dr. Francisco Colayco, a well-known entrepreneur, a venture developer and a financial advisor, leads the list of personalities who will tackle different aspects of business that would be helpful to would-be entrepreneur and those who want to expand their existing business, the general working class, OFWs and students on how to manage their personal finances.

Aside from Colayco, lectures and seminars for small-scale entrepreneurs will be given by motivational and professional speakers Chinkee Tan, Francis Kong, Lloyd Luna and Jojo Baldo.

Colayco will tackle the topic “Pisobilities – Pera Ko Palaguin Ko” while Tan will talk about “Good credit = Good business, Ang mabuting utang ay magandang puhunan.”

Kong will expound on the topic “Be the best you can be: Ako at ang Sari-sari store ko – D’Best!“, Luna will speak about “Ang sikreto ng tagumpay SIKAP ang kasagutan” and Baldo will discuss “Bro! Ang sandalan ko sa negosyo.”

Vice President Jejomar Binay, also the Presidential Adviser on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), has been invited guest of honor and speaker during the opening ceremony.

For four days, active members of Puregold’s Tindahan ni Aling Puring club, composed mainly of small-scale entrepreneurs such as sari-sari store owners, canteen and restaurant operators and resellers, can participate in the event.

But non-members who are interested to put up a business can also join the event on May 20 to 21 where they can get expert advice on what kind of small-scale enterprise to put up with the help of Puregold.

This year’s convention will be participated in by over 200 Puregold trade partners and will showcase over 350 booths.

Attendees are also in for a lot of surprises like free items, sampling, exciting raffle prizes and big discounts on products.