Negosyo 2Go at SM Supermalls

Malls today have gone beyond shopping and fun, becoming community centers in many areas. More recently, it has become a place where shoppers can learn livelihood skills in Negosyo 2Go, a joint project of the SM Supermalls and the Technology Resource Center.

Ideal for those looking for easy to start and easy on the budget livelihood opportunities, Negosyo 2Go is a series of micro business start up sessions which will be held in the different malls. These sessions are one-stop shop offerings and do it yourself schemes that give participants a choice of at least three easy to do business templates.

Industry Experts from TRC, formerly the Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) teach simple business skills in manufacturing products from small start up businesses. These include making fashion accessories, perfumes, laundry soaps, fabric softeners, hair and skin care products, paper and other crafts, car care products, and novelty giveaways.

Negosyo 2Go sessions began in May and have so far been held at the SM Supermalls in Sta. Rosa, Dasmarinas, San Lazaro, Bicutan and Marilao. The second series of sessions took place during the latter part of May at SM Supercenter Molino, SM City Batangas, SM City Bacoor, SM City Manila, and SM City Baguio.

During the sessions held at SM City Marilao, more than a hundred participants learned how to design balloons, make detergent powder, and formulate hair gel. They were also taught how to creatively package and label their products.

The trainors themselves were examples of potential entrepreneurs on a micro scale. Aniceta Pablo, who demonstrated balloon designing, studied at TRC before venturing into the business. Hers is a true success story as she helps her husband provide for their eight children with her earnings from her micro business. Today, she is a part of TRC’s Negosyo 2Go team touring at SM malls nationwide.

Lerma Lerente of Marilao was one of the participants excited to venture into the business. “Instructions are very easy to understand that’s why I immediately bought a kit to try it out.” She says, adding that this would allow her to earn extra money while being a stay at home mom to her two kids.

Apart from the step-by-step guide given by the instructors, Negosyo 2Go also offers business kits at the venue for those who want to start production right away. There is no need for participants to buy wholesale to start their business — a hair get kit is only P175; a balloon twisting kit only P200.

Arnold Alberto, a trainor from the cosmetics company ACECHEM, Inc. says that “the benefit of getting the kit is that you will get the template formula, raw materials, and instructions on making a product without buying in bulk.”

TRC also gives free consultation and applications on micro financing and business registration through Negosyo 2Go. This makes it easy for would be entrepreneurs to test the waters in starting their business. Kay Daytec of TRC shares, “with Negosyo 2Go, we can avail of the services of our micro-financing partners that would allow minimum capital loans for as low as P5,000.”

You can be an entrepreneur – join the Negosyo 2Go sessions at the SM Supermalls.