Department of Trade & Industry holds First Virtual National Trade Fair

 

In order to be able to reach out to more people even amidst the pandemic, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in cooperation with the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) and in partnership with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices will be holding and hosting the very first Virtual National Trade Fair slated to happen from January 27 to February 2, 2021 on its official website www.vitualnationaltradefair.dti.gov.ph. 

With its aim to reach out and expand the presence amongst micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the upcoming first-ever Virtual National Trade Fair offers a digital solution in order to make connection to MSMEs with big institutional buyers such as hotels and restaurants, supermarket and grocery chains, large corporate merchandisers and export consolidators. 

There will be 100 exhibitors from across the regions which will showcase their products including processed foods and beverages, gift and souvenirs, housewares and decor, fashion accessories, along with health and wellness products. 

With the goal mainly for B2B commerce, the Virtual National Trade Fair provides an avenue for MSMEs and other interested buyers a platform where they can transact business by means of online yet real-time thru video calls or online chats, virtual meetings etc. during the duration of this four-day event where exhibitors are expected to guide guests on their virtual booths especially during show hours from 10Am to 6PM from Januray 27 to 30. From January 31 to February 2, visitors can continue to visit the various booths anytime and leave a message should they be interested to make a purchase on the products showcased. 

AFFI stages the 16th Franchise Business Expo

Most of us would want to start our own business but are either afraid to take the plunge. It could be because we fear we may not be successful or we may not be equipped enough. The good news is that there are business mentoring made available for business enthusiasts and those who seriously wanted to start their own business. One of those groups that offer entrepreneurship mentoring as well as other things one needs to learn in order to make success in business is the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI).

 You want a confident mentor who has expertise in the skills you lack. This requires self-awareness, but big names and titles don’t always mean someone will serve as a good mentor. An “industry veteran” can be such a great help, especially early on. You want real “war time” experience where actual work and hustle was required to succeed. We were able to talk to some entrepreneurs who we think are good mentors (or advisors) and you can really learn based on how they share their own experience. The reality is that these good mentors have expertise and/or skills you need.

In a recent media conference on the AFFI’s 16^th Franchise and Business Expo which is happening from September 29 to October 1 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, a speaker highlighted the importance of making certain that a large partnership we were working on maintained momentum throughout the early stages of the process. He noted that the difference in pace between larger and smaller companies means you have to work extra hard to push faster to ensure they drive to a conclusion. When working with businesses with more time and resources, it’s your job to maintain a sense of urgency.

From L to R: Mr. Ricardo Cuna, AFFI Board of Adviser; Ms. Tess Ngan Tian, AFFI Board of Adviser; Mr. John Chung, President ; Mr. Sonny Francisco, Chairman of the Board; Ms. Anne Francisco, AFFI Assistant to the Expo Chairman.

It’s much easier to follow through on advice that comes from someone who you respect and they are living proof what you’re doing is possible no matter how impossible it may seem. This also applies to new and existing investors. Our most helpful early investors have been active, working entrepreneurs who don’t need to reach deep to empathize with our everyday challenges. They’ve been through what you have and genuinely want you to succeed as well. This kind of guidance and support is priceless!