Competition launched to help seafarers start own business
A competition was launched recently to help seafarers become entrepreneurs when they decide to quit their overseas jobs and return home.
The competition “From Seafarers to Entrepreneurs: The 2015 NRCO-ISP Business Plan Competition” calls on returning seafarers to submit business plans.
Entries are being accepted until Aug. 30, said Dexter Paro, National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) officer for Central Visayas.
The competition is among NRCO’s programs for returning OFWs. This is being held in partnership with the Integrated Seafarers of the Philippines (ISP).
“We are doing this for seafarers specifically so that they have a source of income,” he said.
An information campaign for the Visayas region on the mechanics of the competition will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 12 at the Mariner’s Court, Pier 1.
“We are targeting at most 200 OFW seafarers for the (information) drive,” Paro said.
“This is a good activity. Even if you’ve retired as an OFW or a person with disability, or even if you’re still working, you have the chance to do business and have another source of income for your family,” he added.
Participants of the competition may join as an individual, as a group, or in pairs. They must also be 25 years old and above.
The top 10 business plans will be chosen by October, and each participant included in the top 10 will be mentored and coached for one month to improve their business plans.
The final round for the competition will take place on November 27. Winners will be awarded on December 4, 2015.
Assistance
Paro said NRCO will coach interested seafarers who do not know how to make their own business plans. They will also provide any other assistance they may need for the competition.
Aside from the Business Plan Competition, NRCO also has other programs and activities for specific OFW segments. All programs seek to help returning OFWs find means of livelihood and income in the Philippines.
For distressed women OFWs, NRCO has the “Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay” program, Paro said.
Since the agency’s start of operation in May last year, NRCO has assisted 65 women with livelihood skills or short course training. The women were also given non-cash starter kits worth P10,000.
“For this year, NRCO is targeting to help 50 women,” Paro added.
NRCO is also looking into doing a tie-up with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) this year for skills training for women.
Another project is the Livelihood Development Assistance Program, which has doled out as many as 105 non-cash starter kits worth P10,000 last year.
Paro said they were processing 12 plans to be given starter kits for this year. As many as 62 starter kits will be given this year.
“Majority of the starter kits are for sari-sari business, agribusiness, ready-to-wear negosyo or water vending machines,” he said.
Together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), NRCO also conducts financial literacy training or small business management training for OFWs.
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