DTI picks startup linking farmers, consumers
AN electronic commerce website that seeks to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers was among five local startups chosen for the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) mentorship program.
Queeny Jane Cabizares, Fresh2ket CEO, said she was delighted that her startup was considered for the Launchpad mentorship program.
“This will really help us a lot. The mentors have lots of connections. We’ll learn a lot from them, build our own networks, and really determine what our business model is,” she told Cebu Daily News.
Launched in January 2016, Fresh2ket allows farmers to post their products on the website and consumers can buy directly from them, removing the middlemen from the picture.
At present, the startup is focusing on around 50 farmers in Barangay Sudlon I, Cebu City. Among the consumers who patronize these farmers’ produce is The Port restaurant, said Cabizares.
Cabizares said that the startup could have gained even more traction working on her own, but it would be at a slower pace compared to having Launchpad mentors guide her.
“We could get traction from hotels, but it would be slow. Launchpad can push me. Fresh2ket has been stable in the last six months, but I can’t settle for less,” she said.
DTI’s Launchpad program is the agency’s initiative to help start-ups become full-fledged enterprises in the future through mentorship.
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