AFFIreveals roadmap for next 5 years SMEs, entrepreneurs urged to thrive by 2020

“It’s the first of its kind, because now, we are moving out of the walls of the seminar room and bringing education right where the action happens,” Mr. Ilao pointed out.

This year, AFFI has also expanded its Executive Committee and created a Leadership Council to get more of the organization’s members involved in its operations. On top of this are plans for roadshows and caravans around the Philippines and some neighboring countries in Asia.

The growing number of millennials and the shift in power towards the youth also takes a huge place in AFFI’s current roadmap with the Education Committee launching a Youth Council Program inside the organization.

“These young people are the future of this country and we can’t just let this opportunity pass without training them to be young entrepreneurs,” shared Mr. Ilao.

But perhaps the highlight of the entire event was the unveiling of the Seal of Entrepreneurship Excellence that will be given to AFFI members as the embodiment of their commitment in the coming years.

“It signifies our vow to push boundaries and challenge our own limitations. That we are not afraid to face competition from both local and international brands. That we are pursuing excellence for our employees, for our partners, and most importantly for ourselves,” said Mr. Ilao.

AFFI was founded in 1997 by Bob Juan of Labandera Ko,Armando Bartolome of GMB, Tony Cruz of Pancit Malabon, Jorge Wieneke and Jose Magsaysay of Potato Corner, Teresa Laurel of Goto King, Pacita Juan of Figaro, and Richie Cuna of Fiorgelato to raise awareness for entrepreneurship in the country and lend support for fellow MSMEs trying to make it in the cutthroat world of business.