Boholana wins Outstanding Young Women Entrepreneur grand prize

CEBU, Philippines - Dalareich Polot of Bohol bested 26 other fellows in a business plan competition to win the grand prize in the first Young Women Entrepreneur Bootcamp (YWEB) held from September 23 to 25 at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila

The competition was part the 3-day training organized by the Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK!) and The United States Embassy in Manila, with Ambassador Delia Albert and other women business leaders as the judges.

YWEB is a leadership and mentoring initiative that to help Filipino women entrepreneurs expand their knowledge of business strategies and best business practices, by offering strategic and innovative approach to empower them with the skills needed to scale up their businesses.

Polot ventured in the cacao business amid the rising demand, both local and international, for cocoa and cocoa-based products. Her Dalareich Food Products business mainly focuses in manufacturing high quality unsweetened chocolates or tableya, made of 100 percent cacao beans in a round-shaped mould and bars.

"I want to give back to my community by encouraging young people to go in business to generate jobs for the community," said Polot who, being the grand prize winner, got a trophy, certificate and US$5,000. CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE (FREEMAN)