As businesses adapt to evolving customer expectations, emerging technologies, and an increasingly competitive landscape, Filipino entrepreneurs are discovering that business growth also requires continuous personal and professional development.

Helping address this need is UB Negosyante BOOSTcamp, a six-week learning program that brings together mentorship, peer learning, and practical insights from fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts. Its inaugural cohort, which wrapped up on October 24, gathered 27 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners from various industries to explore key areas such as customer understanding, financial management, digital marketing, artificial intelligence, and sustainable business growth.

The program is an initiative of UnionBank’s GoBeyond Community, the Bank’s flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee engagement program. It aims to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and practical tools they need to take their businesses to the next level.

Turning Learning into Opportunities for Growth

For participating entrepreneurs, BOOSTcamp offered an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives on their businesses and explore how emerging ideas and technologies could support their individual growth journeys.

Mico Buenaflor of Lucky LMB, a wholesale and retail distributor of power and industrial tools, joined the program after realizing that his own skills and capabilities needed to grow alongside the company he founded six years ago.

One of the lessons he particularly appreciated was the importance of using artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically.

For Daryl Pascual, a telecom product distributor, keeping up with emerging technologies has likewise become an essential part of running and growing a business.

BOOSTcamp tackled business development from several practical angles. Potato Corner co-founder George Wieneke shared the importance of continuously testing and refining products based on genuine customer needs. Meanwhile, Bingo Soriano, widely known as “The Branding Nerd,” discussed how businesses can better understand their customers, identify market opportunities, and establish clear brand positioning.

Participants also gained insights into digital marketing and the responsible use of AI. UnionBank Institutional Segment Marketing Head Dino Velasco discussed how aligning marketing objectives, messaging, and communication channels can help drive purchases and strengthen customer loyalty. Gino Pineda and Issang Ceballos of Meta also shared strategies for reaching target audiences, optimizing advertising budgets, and measuring campaign performance.

The AI sessions covered essential topics such as AI fundamentals, governance, practical business applications, responsible use, and data privacy. Participants also learned the importance of validating AI-generated outputs. These discussions were led by UnionBank’s Justin Philip S. Tuazon, Atty. Romina Angeliz H. Marcaida, and Rosiel Jazmine T. Villareal. Cherrie L. Tinoko, UnionBank Secured Assets Network Head, further shared valuable insights on effective selling techniques.

Learning from Fellow Entrepreneurs

Beyond the formal discussions and expert-led sessions, participants also found inspiration in the experiences and lessons shared by entrepreneurs who had navigated similar business challenges.

Lyle Legaspi, whose family owns a data solutions company, was particularly inspired by George Wieneke’s story of transforming French fries from a simple hamburger side dish into the “main star.” The example encouraged him to consider how businesses could similarly recognize the potential value of their data and transform information assets into new opportunities.

Denis Rodriguez, who manages an insurance firm, joined BOOSTcamp to stay updated on business trends, gain a deeper understanding of his customers, and build connections with fellow entrepreneurs.

From Stronger Businesses to Stronger Communities

During the cohort’s graduation ceremony, Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares, who previously worked as an entrepreneur before entering public service, shared lessons drawn from his own business experience. He encouraged the graduates to embrace technology, prepare for crises, invest in their teams, remain committed to continuous learning, and practice responsible stewardship. He also offered to help bring entrepreneurs’ concerns to the attention of Congress.

Michelle Rubio, UnionBank Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of CSR, highlighted how the initiative connects business development with the broader positive impact entrepreneurs can create in their communities.

She encouraged participants to apply the lessons they gained from BOOSTcamp by supporting their employees, serving their customers, and making meaningful contributions to the communities they are part of.

BOOSTcamp builds on UnionBank’s continuing commitment to supporting Filipino entrepreneurs. The Bank first launched its SME Business Banking app in January 2021 before reintroducing an enhanced offering under the more inclusive UB Negosyante brand in 2023. The platform provides entrepreneurs with digital banking tools, financial solutions, and other relevant services to help them manage and grow their businesses.

Through UB Negosyante and initiatives such as BOOSTcamp, UnionBank aims to complement its financial solutions with practical capability-building programs that empower entrepreneurs to adapt to change, make informed business decisions, and pursue sustainable growth.

For more information, visit UnionBank or follow the Bank on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor.