26/11/2024
Oikos Business Mentoring Program
Oikos Helping Hand thru Agape Academy, in partnership with Investrong Business Mentoring Program, is a focused initiative designed to support the mothers of Oikos scholars in effectively growing and managing their microbusinesses. The program offers personalized mentorship in crucial areas for success, including business and legal compliance, soft skills development, and essential technical and digital competencies. By equipping participants with practical knowledge and hands-on skills, the program empowers parents to overcome business challenges, build sustainable enterprises, and strengthen their families' economic foundations.
The mentoring experience is structured with a combination of monthly group sessions and one-on-one coaching, providing focused guidance tailored to each participant's business growth.
At the beginning of the program, participants will be encouraged to develop a capstone project, which will serve as a comprehensive representation of their learning and progress throughout the 6-month program. This project will be monitored and guided through monthly coaching sessions, allowing participants to track their growth and apply what they've learned. The completed capstone project will be presented at the end of the program, showcasing the participants' development and accomplishments.
Women Empowerment in the Business Mentoring Program
The Business Mentoring Program launched on November 25, 2024, aligning with Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act), as part of the initiative to support women empowerment. This program will run for 6 months, aiming to raise awareness about Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), advocating for gender equality, and empowering women to take active roles in their communities while promoting business success.
Violence against women and girls is a major global issue and a violation of human rights. The United Nations defines VAW as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty."
In the Philippines, the National Demographic and Health Survey (2017) showed that 1 in 4 women, aged 15-49, experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence from an intimate partner. The World Health Organization (WHO) also reports that about 35% of women globally have faced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. With these alarming statistics in mind, the Business Mentoring Program directly addresses the need for women's empowerment and protection, with a strong focus on promoting financial independence and legal rights for women.
Mentoring Topics
Module 1: Operating a Micro Business in the Philippines – Compliance and Conduct
This module provides foundational knowledge on business compliance, covering the key steps and procedures for legally operating a microbusiness. It includes a guide to relevant government agencies entrepreneurs may need to engage with, ensuring they are fully informed about their rights and responsibilities as business owners. This essential understanding will empower participants to confidently navigate regulatory requirements and establish a solid legal footing for their businesses.
- Essential Business Documentation: A guide to the necessary paperwork for establishing and managing a compliant business.
- Business Registration Process: A step-by-step overview of how to legally register a microbusiness in the Philippines.
- Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Key insights into legal obligations to help ensure compliance and avoid issues.
Module 2: Developing Essential Soft Skills for Business Success
This session emphasizes the development of core soft skills that are vital not only for managing a business but also for promoting holistic personal social growth. These skills—such as effective communication, leadership, problem-solving, and time management—will enhance participants' professional effectiveness and build character, positively impacting both their business success and personal lives.
- Goal Setting with SMART Goals: Methods for setting specific, achievable business goals to drive growth.
- Time Management and Productivity Techniques: Effective strategies to optimize time use and boost productivity.
- Customer Service and Relationship Building: Techniques to enhance customer satisfaction and build loyal clientele.
- Problem Solving, Critical Thinking & A Growth Mindset: Skills for tackling business challenges and making sound decisions.
- Conflict Resolution and Communication Skills: Tools for managing conflicts and communicating clearly with clients and team members.
- Leadership Development: Approaches for leading a team with confidence and fostering collaboration.
Module 3: Strengthening Digital and Financial Skills for Business Growth
This module offers practical insights and strategies for achieving long-term business growth and stability. Participants will be introduced to effective marketing techniques and digital tools that can help them expand their reach and streamline operations. Additionally, the session provides valuable guidance on financial management and growth strategies, empowering entrepreneurs to make sound financial decisions that support sustainable business success.
- Financial Tracking and Management: Practical advice on monitoring finances, budgeting, and maintaining cash flow.
- Optimizing Business Operations and Expanding Offerings: Tips for streamlining operations and exploring options to diversify products or services.
- Boosting Business Income and Growth Strategies: Strategies for marketing, increasing revenue, and sustainably growing your business.
Module 4: Presentation of Capstone Project
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Integration
The Oikos Business Mentoring Program, through its Women Empowerment initiative, contributes to several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 1: No Poverty – The program helps parents of Oikos scholars, particularly mothers, build sustainable businesses that provide economic opportunities, thereby reducing poverty in their communities.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – The core of the program is to empower women by promoting gender equality and providing tools to overcome the barriers caused by violence and gender discrimination.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By equipping participants with essential skills to grow and manage businesses, the program encourages sustainable economic growth and creates decent work opportunities.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequality – The program targets marginalized groups, such as women and low-income families, and offers them an opportunity to reduce economic disparities through entrepreneurship.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The program supports strong, just institutions by educating women about their legal rights and promoting a violence-free environment in both business and personal spheres.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The partnership between Oikos Helping Hand thru Agape Academy and Investrong highlights collaboration to achieve shared goals, including economic empowerment and gender equality.