Student organization holds fair to develop young entrepreneurs

CEBU, Philippines - Inspired to uphold the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth, a student organization held its entrepreneurial fair outside the university’s campus that is aimed to develop young entrepreneurs and support the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development.

The Council of Business Executives (CBEX) of the University of Cebu – Banilad Campus held its 2nd Entrepreneurship Fair (E-Fair) at Ayala Activity Center last February 27 to March 1.

This was in time with the university’s celebration of its Unified College Days with the theme “Transcending Limits, Soaring towards Greater Heights”.

CBEX is the official student organization of the university’s College of Business Administration and Accountancy that is headed by Christopher Biore as the dean.

The exhibit was participated by students taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majors in marketing and financial management, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology.

Project head Cheryl Zanoria said that the fair is intended to develop students’ personal confidence and interpersonal skills, create effective means as young entrepreneurs and showcase their entrepreneurial skills.

Co-project head Charven John Lauron said this was the first time the student organization held its entrepreneurial fair outside the university’s campus.

However, Zanoria clarified that unlike the usual fairs, the CBEX E-Fair is a non-profit based exhibit since it is primarily meant to develop young entrepreneurs and provide an avenue for students to apply their knowledge learned in school into practice.

“We are after for the experience. We want to develop our skills and apply what we have learned. We have to go out from the four corners of the classroom to fully apply the business theories taught in school,” she said.

Both Lauron and Zanoria expressed hope for the incoming administration of the student organization to continue conducting the E-Fair outside the campus to sustain its goals.

Outgoing CBEX president Jezreel Ezerr Archival said that the exhibit organizers also envisioned supporting the MSME sector and providing opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs to expand their market coverage and increase their income thru their participation in the said event.

CBEX extended tie-ups with MSME enterprises and local start-ups such as Leah Mayol’s Bibingka and Dawis Norte Fishermen’s Association.

Exhibitors were Take Your Pick, Lola Mel’s Station, Jaz Fashion and Delicacies, Footprints and Shimmers, PJMA, Crafty Minds, 4:20, HopChoc Haus, and Healthy Snacks.

Apart from the three-day fair, CBEX also held other events like business plan contest, poster-making contest, board games and beauty pageant.

The entrepreneurial fair was in partnership with Globe, Cebu Parklane International Hotel and Teletech. (FREEMAN)