Masigasig Magazine: A Free Mag for Entrepreneurs

Globe has been very intuitive in its rage to help businesses especially to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Thus borne its essential division dedicated to give services to all businesses. With its commitment to aid and further SMEs Globe Business played a great role in the establishment of many SMEs and made it big in the industry. And one of the manifestation of such commitment is the Masigasig Magazine. Masigasig is a monthly special publication produced by Globe for SMEs. Masigasig means determined, persistent or motivated, with strong sense of direction in terms of goals to be achieved as defined by Globe. It is a very ministrant mag that gives practical yet profitable tips, fresh and brisk business ideas and savvy features among others. One of its best portion is the featuring of entrepreneurs from SMEs to inspire people in the industry and to entice those who are yet to taste the pie of entrepreneurship.

Since I've known of this magazine, I always make it a point to drop off at Globe Business Centers where I can get a free copy of it every month. Masigasig comes also as a complement when you buy an Entrepreneur Philippines mag. And I've posted some articles from the magazine into this blog to share it to other people who are searching for those practical industry tips from the experts of Masigasig. Not to mention its hip cover features and chic look inside, it is also a very informative mag for a business savvy and aspiring entrepreneur. (Photo Courtesy: http://mb.com.ph)

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Makro re-branded as SM Hypermart

SM Investments Corp. will soon convert its Makro stores into hypermarkets—outlets combining a supermarket and a department store—because the concept of wholesale buying no longer appeals to consumers, an official said yesterday.

The Sy family’s holding firm initially would convert three Makro stores in Novaliches, Makati and Mandaluyong into hypermarkets, said Robert Kwee, executive vice president of SM Hypermarkets.

“We will see first how things will develop,” he said.

Makro has 15 outlets that cater mostly to restaurants, caterers and mom-and-pop stores, but the idea of getting a membership card to buy wholesale in a Makro store was no longer attractive because of the economic slowdown, Kwee said.

Pilipinas Makro, which operates the Makro stores in the Philippines, originally was a partnership between the Sy family’s SM group, SHV Holdings N.V. of the Netherlands, and the Ayala group.

But in 2004 the Ayala group sold its 28-percent interest in Makro to its joint-venture partners, and in late 2007 SM Investments folded the Makro stores into its operations after it increased its ownership of Pilipinas Makro to 60 percent.

Makro also has outlets at the North Harbor, Cubao, Las Piñas, Cainta, Imus, Sucat, Cebu City, Davao City, Pampanga, Batangas City, Cagayan de Oro City and Iloilo City.

The three Makro stores aside, SM Investments also plans to put up three other hypermarket outlets in Fairview, Las Piñas and Quezon City this year.

The group will also open 14 more Savemore stores—smaller outlets that cater to customers’ day-to-day needs. Jenniffer B. Austria | Manila Standard Today

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Go Negosyo Upcoming events

July 8 - Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Entrepreneurship Summit

We will be holding the Go Negosyo Entrepreneurship Summit on July 8, 2009: the first day of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Week which we are co-organizing with the Department of Trade and Industry. For this day, we hope to present the framework for entrepreneurship development, as well as plans which can be adopted by the regions nationwide. This will be held at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall. For inquiries, e-mail us at gonegosyo@gonegosyo.net or call our PCE Hotline +63 2 6379229.

August 20 -- Go Negosyo Youth Entrepreneurship Summit

We are organizing the country's BIGGEST negosyo summit for the youth where we aim to bring in influential and inspirational role models, allow for mentorship opportunities with our pool of Go Negosyo experts, and showcase the possible business models and tools that the youth can use for their negosyo. This will be held on August 20, 2009 (Thursday) at the World Trade Center. Interested partners and exhibitors may e-mail us at youthsummit@gonegosyo.net or call our PCE Hotline +63 2 6379229.

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The search for the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines program recognizes the achievements of Filipino Entrepreneurs who develop businesses that influence the way we live, transform local communities and support the economy as it moves forward. Some of the 2007 awardees were Margarita A. Fores of Cibo, Inc., and Raymund Joseph T. Laurel of Rajo Laurel Enterprise to name a few.
The search for the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2008 has been extended!

For more information, please contact the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines secretariat at:

SGV Foundation, Inc.
5th floor, SGV 1 Bldg.
6760 Ayala Avenue 1226 Makati City
891-0307 local 7766 or 7799
eoy.info@ph.ey.com
www.eoyphils.com

 

Nominations will be accepted until April 30, 2009.

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International study-assistance franchise KUMON changes the way we see supplementary classes

The founder of the well-known Kumon Centers, the late TORU KUMON,

was a Japanese high school math teacher who wanted to improve

his son’s math. The effective method he created in the 1950s,

which emphasizes individualized learning and repetition, quickly drew the

interest of parents worldwide. “It was in 1996 when KUMON PHILIPPINES

was established to franchise to qualified applicants,” says LAWRENCE

LAURETA, Communication Support Group Leader.

Lawrence notes that people at first weren’t accustomed to Kumon’s

individualized learning, or thought it was a tutorial program for the

academically-challenged. (Kumon focuses on Math and Reading programs

that are tailor-fit to suit the student’s ability.) “It’s more a supplementary

education intended to empower a student to be better,” he clarifies. “Our

students are living proof of the effectiveness—as families witness their

success firsthand, our credibility quickly spreads via word-of-mouth,” says

Lawrence. “In our 10 years in the Philippines, we’ve started seeing our

impact on society.”

Before a Kumon franchise is granted, instructors are required to

undergo orientation, tests, interviews, and

training. They must also secure a suitable location

in a commercial area that’s both accessible and

secure, submit a franchise agreement, and pay

a franchise fee of 16,800 per subject (Math

and Reading). Another 500,000 to 1 million is then spent towards commercial space,

facilities and furniture, and manpower. “Because the business provides services more than

products,” explains Lawrence, “we should invest highly in training our people—especially

this being the education industry.”

“We currently have over 180 Kumon Centers nationwide. The return-on-investment

varies, but generally can be achieved after about six months,” says Lawrence. “At the end

of the day, the profit isn’t gauged by monetary value, but by how we have reached and

changed the lives of the children.”

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Globe I-Café Kit

As with any business, setting up an Internet café—and s u s t a i n i n g i t—c a n b e daunting. Which is why this business-in-a-box solution is no doubt a welcome solution to start-up entrepreneurs.

T h i s a l l - i n - o n e p a c k a g e eliminates the following problems commonly encountered by those who want to set up their own Internet café, and even those who want to improve their existing business.

  1.“There are too many technical requirements.”Admittedly, there are many technical requirements to consider in order to maximize the profit potential of your business: the ideal PC, software, and the right Internet connection. Solve all that in one go with the Globe I-café kit—it includes personal computers, genuine Microsoft Operating System (so you don’t have to worry about pirated versions), and fast and reliable Internet connection of up to 5 Mbps.

2.“How can my business compete when there are five other Internet cafes on the same street? Getting your business noticed can be challenging. You will need signages and posters to make your business and brand stand out. Luckily, if you happen to be a Globe I-café kit subscriber, you will also receive a dress-up program, consisting of an attractive lighted outdoor signage, colorful posters, and other peripherals that will help market your business. 

3.“My existing Internet café isn’t picking up. What could I be doing wrong?” Several factors may be pinpointed as the cause. Is your Internet connection fast and reliable? Are you using the right hardware and software? Chances are, it’s a combination of different things. Conduct an evaluation of your business system to get a definitive diagnosis so as to find the right solution.

  4.“It’s such a hassle to canvass prices from different dealers.” This unnecessary step is eliminated by this no-nonsense package from Globe. Since you get everything you need (hardware, software, broadband) in one go, you don’t have to negotiate with separate dealers for computers, Internet connection, and so on. An Account Manager from Globe is on hand to assist you.

  5.“I want to franchise but I don’t have that much capital. I also don’t want to get victimized by hidden fees and charges.” With Globe I-café, you can start your own business with as low as 100,000 for the hardware. The monthly recurring cost for broadband can be as low as 1,295. Best of all, there are no hidden charges and no franchise fee.

  6.“I’m not really Internet-savvy.” You can rest easy once you avail of the Globe I-café kit—it’s easy to understand and easy to set up, and since you’re dealing with a reputable company, you can be assured that you are getting the best specs at the best rate. You can even call the Globe hotline at (632) 730-1288 if you have any concerns. 

HOW TO AVAIL OF THE GLOBE I-CAFÉ KIT

To avail of the Globe I-café kit, simply submit the following requirements:

1. Proof of identification

2. Proof of billing address

3. Proof of income

4. Business permit

You can choose from two types of personal computers: the Internet Surfing and Gaming Model, which is designed for simple surfing and gaming; or the Mega Gaming Model, which is designed for heavy gaming because of its Dual Core processor and bigger LCD screen.

 

 

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PRINTS ON FLOWERS - SPEAKING ROSES

Over 7 years ago, Speaking Roses invented a process that has revolutionized the floral and greeting card industries forever. They have created a method of transferring images and messages onto fresh-cut flowers without harming or shortening the life of the flowers. This refreshing twist on both flowers and greeting cards enhances the emotional response in both the giver and the receiver, and has garnished international attention and phenomenal success. And it is now being offered to you.

With 2 patents in the United States and many

others in other countries pending or already received, Speaking Roses is the first and the only business legally allowed to produce and sell personalized, fresh-cut flowers with images or messages right on the petals.

They have now decided to create an opportunity for others to be part of this revolutionary product. For this reason, they have created a 'Business in a Box' program, where you can now be a Speaking Roses licensed business owner in your own market. You will receive not only the equipment and supplies necessary to start and run your business, but you also get years of experience in business development, marketing strategies and public relations, which makes opening your own Speaking Roses business a great experience. They offer proven technology and equipment for both high and low volume production, as well as marketing materials, great methods and techniques, and personalized training that allow them to offer to you what truly is a 'business in a box.'

With the option of starting your Speaking Roses business on a part-time or full-time basis, you can begin working from home or in your own retail Speaking Roses store. With the floral, gifts, advertisement, corporate, and greeting card markets making up a $100 billion dollar industry, they provide you with all of the tools to help you tap into that potential. With the ability to place anything from a corporate logo to a marriage proposal on fresh-cut flowers, they have opened a door to an advertising world that is only just beginning to tap into its real potential.

The chance to get in on the ground floor of this amazing opportunity is now being offered to business-minded individuals who are looking to be the first in this new market to capture the hearts of consumers in a way that has already caught the attention of everyone from Hollywood to the guests at your best friend's wedding.

When you join their team as a Speaking Roses licensed owner, you start out running. With the 'know how' of experienced professionals, you join a company that is already experiencing unheard-of success, having already earned recognition from magazines such as Forbes, Family Circle, In Touch, and many more.

To find out more about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, click here.

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ILOILO CITY MOVES TO ATTRACT MORE INVESTORS

The committee formed by the city government to look into possible amendments in the present Incentives Code of Iloilo has reduced the capitalization of investors that will avail tax holidays on real property and business taxes from P50 million to P15 million.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the committee chaired by Councilor Jose Espinosa III has trimmed down the capitalization of prospective investors who will avail of the incentives. The tax break will be done in gradual basis within a five-year period.

The existing code only gives a three-year tax break for investors. In its proposed tax break, the committee wants it to lengthen to four or five years. The proposed incentive is designed to attract would be investors in the city in spite of the financial crisis.

The committee will present the new scheme of the Incentives Code as soon as it has ironed out all the details which is both beneficial to the city and the investors, said Treñas.

Treñas is optimistic that the proposed changes in the Incentive Code will be approved by members of the legislative body. There are three councilors who are with the committee, namely, Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo and Ely Estante aside from Espinosa. It needs an ordinance as assurance for the entering investors.

The entry of new investors with big capitalization has a multiplier effect not only on the city government but as well as to the people. It will generate employment as soon as the construction phase of the business site starts, said Treñas.

As soon as the construction phase is done, the firm will employ people to work with them. It will spark economic activity. The taxes as payment for the city government come as the third beneficiary for the entry of new investors, he said.(http://www.thenewstoday.info)

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