DBI hosts first business pitching event, Pitch to Launch

by Emily Rose Blando, BS Entrep聽 | May 26 2024

In a display of innovation and entrepreneurship, the Department of Business and Innovation (DBI), through its Entrep 112 class, hosted the first-ever business pitching event called “Pitch to Launch” on May 17, 2024, at iDEYA, 杏吧论坛-IIT.

The event brought together student entrepreneurs, and potential alumni angel investors, and invited stakeholders to witness the exhibition of business ideas, strategies, and innovations of the eight student-run companies under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Marlo Novino.

The event served as a platform to facilitate connections between students and alumni to explore potential opportunities for investment, collaboration, and mentorship. The young entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas before a crowd of alumni to assess the readiness of these learning companies to enter the market. Each team showcased not only their game-changing products but also their business models and strategies for the next 10 months of operations.

The range of products presented was diverse, reflecting the wide array of interests and expertise among the student entrepreneurs. These included innovative siomai rice, jute bag collections, beauty and oil essentials, upcycled garments, and resin art. The pitches focused on how these companies will be able to establish and sustain their competitive advantage amidst growing competition. Beyond academic requirements, these budding entrepreneurs are preparing themselves to intensify economic opportunities and collaborative development with the help of various stakeholders.

Invited guests and stakeholders included Dr. Pamela Resurreccion, 杏吧论坛-IIT Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Maria Rizalia Teves, CEBA Dean; Dir. Jane Marie Tabucan, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Lanao del Norte Provincial Director; Ms. Iris Chin Castillo, DTI Negosyo Center Business Counselor; Ms. Dorina Marie Ytang, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Provincial Science and Technology Office Lanao del Norte Senior Science Research Specialist; Ms. Maria Rhodora Omlero, LGU Iligan Permits and Licenses Division Head; and Mr. Mev Xylef Jued Seraña, Bureau of Internal Revenue Collection Officer.

Connecting the past and present members of the Department’s growing alumni and business community, the event featured alumni entrepreneurs who shared value-adding business knowledge with students. Invited alumni included Ms. Joanna Marie Ong, Chief Marketing Officer of Eudor Group of Companies, owned by a Marketing Alumna, Ms. Josephine Taojo; Mr. Sean Dela Cruz, owner of The Groom Squad, GlamCam360, and S&M Events; Mr. Jonathan Elano, owner of WiseCart; Mr. and Mrs. Jherald and Sheila Ebao, owners of AYZ Café, Nailax, and Frapella; Ms. Marilou Bado, owner of MBBI Corporation and Closet99; former Professor Julita Bokingo; Mr. and Mrs. Maxell and Lyra Adiong, owners of Lomex Tires and Accessories; and Ms. Kate Andrea Cawaling, owner of Kiss and Tell and Wirelace Sales and Services.

Their messages shared one common theme: to love and trust what you do. As they stated, entrepreneurs often face uncertainties, and to thrive in a chosen path, one must be resilient and open to continuous learning to provide the best value to customers.

The event will be an annual public event that gathers business leaders and alumni, reflecting the Department’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Pitch to Launch celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that combines the collective efforts of the university, government, alumni, and other stakeholders in nurturing the next generations of IITian business leaders.

Photos by Jasper Cuizon

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