The Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 (DTI-3) recently launched the first Batch of the 2025 Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program, welcoming 48 promising micro and small entrepreneurs from the region.
The KMME Program, a flagship capacity-building initiative of DTI in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) – Go Negosyo, aims to equip MSMEs with practical knowledge and skills to scale up their enterprises. Through a 10-module mentoring program delivered by seasoned business mentors, mentees undergo intensive coaching in key areas such as marketing, financial literacy, business planning, operations management, and product development.
As their final output at the end of the program, the entrepreneurs will present their business improvement plans before a panel of experts.
The latest batch includes 7 mentees each from the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, and 6 from Aurora, representing a wide array of sectors such as processed food, trading, agribusiness, health and wellness, garments, and services.
Experts from the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), outstanding representatives from the government, banking and financial sector and online market platforms will serve as mentors for the entire course.
Since its rollout in 2016, DTI Region 3 has produced hundreds of KMME graduates, many of whom have expanded their operations, penetrated wider markets, and created more jobs in their communities. The program continues to play a vital role in strengthening the region’s MSME sector by enhancing entrepreneurial capacities and promoting innovation and resilience.
DTI-3 Regional Director Edna D. Dizon, in her welcome remarks, emphasized the importance of the KMME journey in transforming MSMEs into more sustainable, competitive, and market-ready enterprises. He also encouraged the mentees to take full advantage of the mentoring sessions and actively engage with their mentors and peers.
The 2025 KMME Batch 1 launch is a reaffirmation of DTI’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and sustaining inclusive economic growth across the provinces of Central Luzon.
