Anybody can be an entrepreneur these days, no matter how young one is. With the right mindset, support and tools, a small venture can go a long way. This is what talented and business-minded GenZs learned at the recently concluded Globe Prepaid GoHUSTLE Boss Up Bootcamp held on the digital platform Virtual Hangouts.
Globe Prepaid Virtual Hangouts GoHUSTLE Boss Up Bootcamp culminated its first run in a virtual graduation activity, which saw top 5 scholars pitch their business proposals and one winner take home a start-up package to bring her ideas to life. The event was streamed via Globe’s Facebook page and Globe Prepaid Virtual Hangouts Passion Portal with actress Sofia Andres as special guest – who is also the founder and CEO of Zoe Essentials. Andres shared that starting her business came from her desire to protect loved ones, inspiring the GoHUSTLE scholars to always drive towards the things they are passionate about.
“We are thrilled to have opened another door for budding Gen Z entrepreneurs, who are driven by sheer passion and the love to create and innovate and give them the right push they need to be able to thrive as they embrace their hobbies and side interests as bigger opportunities for success,” said Givielle Florida, Globe Prepaid Head.
Launched in March as an initiative under GoHUSTLE, one of the newest passion pillars of Globe Prepaid Virtual Hangouts, the bootcamp consisted of six carefully curated sessions that gave selected scholars an exclusive opportunity to learn directly from some of the country’s thriving entrepreneurs and experienced hustlers. It was aimed to help jumpstart the ideas and existing small businesses of aspiring young entrepreneurs through a mentoring and upskilling program.
Led by social entrepreneur and Rags2Riches founder Reese Fernandez-Ruiz and graced by other successful young Filipino business owners, the series of masterclasses tackled a wide range of topics that taught students how to elevate and professionalize their brand, aim for staple not a “budol” product, create their own raw materials, and manage plus grow their finances, among others.
The lucky scholars selected to join the program were Ina Estrada, Nikki Camua, Francis Timbol Fabie, Karla May Loo Salazar, Irene Balita, Jazzm Aguilar, Eejay Guzman, Josephine Reyes, Mcgyver Ong and Graciela Manangan.
They were mentored by Ruiz; Nian Ellao, owner and creative director of Vyous Digital; Briko Galeon of BKB Foods; Rizza Lana-Sebastian, CEO and founder of local skincare brand – Lana; and Johan Kyle Ong, founder of fashion brand OJK.
Out of the ten scholars, five were chosen to present their business plan on graduation day: Nikki Camua of Nikki Kooks, Ina Estrada of Par Vous Designs, Graciela Mangan of Euphor-U, Karla Mae Lou Salazar of Center Point Snack Hub, and Jazzm Aguilar of Collections by Calista.
Nikki Kooks Founder Nikki Camua captured the interest of the panel with her compelling business proposal, and was awarded Php25,000 in cash and a business support package that included an HP laptop, a Samsung A55 5G mobile phone with Globe Prepaid SIM and Php1,000 worth of load, and a Viber marketing mileage.
To further support the businesses of all the participating scholars, Globe Prepaid put up their respective online stores in the Virtual Hangouts Passion Portal where exclusive discounts and perks await customers. The stores will also be featured in the Viber Raket community to help them widen their customer base.
“Globe Prepaid believes in the power of Gen Zs to own their future, and we will be with them every step of the way to provide a safe space for them to discover and cultivate their passions and drive them further toward their dreams,” said Florida.
Explore more ways to level up your passions and interests with like-minded go-getters at the latest passion portal, www.globevirtualhangouts.ph.