SMU MBA Students Champion MSME Growth through Business Planning Seminar
The Master in Business Administration (MBA) students of Saint Mary’s University (SMU), under the EMBA 208: Advanced Entrepreneurship Management class, successfully conducted the seminar-workshop on “Crafting Pathways for MSME Growth Through Business Planning: Blueprints for Success” on November 22, 2025, at the School of Graduate Studies Defense Room, Fr. John Van Bauwel Building, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.
This initiative, which gathered 15 participants, forms part of the GIFTED (Graduate Initiatives for Trainings, Empowerment, and Development) Project, which aims to extend practical and community-responsive support and/or interventions to selected participant-recipients.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Loreta V. Garlitos, Graduate Program Cluster Department Head for Business, Accountancy, and Public Administration, emphasized that the seminar-workshop was a valuable opportunity to strengthen MSMEs by equipping them with structured and practical approaches to business planning. She underscored the importance of collaboration between students and entrepreneurs, noting that the combined effort contributes significantly to local enterprise development.
Course Professor Dr. Mayvelyn S. Covita explained that the activity was designed to bridge academic learning with practical community support. She highlighted that the GIFTED Project provides a platform for graduate students to apply classroom knowledge in ways that directly assist the community. Dr. Covita added that business planning serves as a vital tool that provides clarity, direction, and structure for enterprises. She also emphasized that the workshop reflects the University’s commitment to fostering innovation, practical competence, and sustainable development among local entrepreneurs.
This activity featured a discussion of the essential components of a business plan, with each segment handled by MBA student resource speakers:
*Marketing Plan – Ms. Robelyn Mae A. Lising
*Technical Plan – Ms. Flordesierra E. Salamanca
*Organization Plan – Ms. Eugenie Ruby U. Barrientos
*Financial Plan – Mr. Gilmar Jr. R. Manuel.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in an open forum where MSMEs raised questions related to market strategies, production processes, organizational design, and financial projections.
Ms. Lising and Mr. Manuel then presented sample business plans for Aban’s Handicrafts and Kenyong’s Furniture Shop to demonstrate the application of business planning principles.
One of the program’s core highlights was the endorsement of completed business plans to the chosen MSMEs, ensuring that the outputs of the workshop translate into real and immediate value for local enterprises.
In her Closing Remarks, Dr. Gertrude G. Danao, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, expressed her appreciation for the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved. She also conveyed optimism that the knowledge gained during the workshop would help MSMEs strengthen their strategies and operations. She encouraged continued collaboration between the university community and local enterprises to foster growth and innovation.
The seminar-workshop stands as a testament to SMU’s enduring commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and the development of future-ready entrepreneurs.
- SDG 4: Quality Education
SMU actively promotes accessible, relevant, and transformative education.
- The seminar-workshop enhances academic learning and extends it to community partners.
- MBA students apply classroom theories to real-world MSME challenges.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SMU supports entrepreneurship and local economic development.
- The business planning workshop strengthens MSMEs’ strategies and operations.
- Students help design plans that enhance business productivity and long-term viability.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SMU fosters innovation through research-based and practical learning.
- The activity introduces structured and innovative business planning approaches.
- MSMEs are guided to adopt better systems in marketing, production, and financial management.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SMU’s extension programs aim to uplift communities.
- Helping MSMEs grow contributes to a more resilient and economically active local community.
- The project strengthens the connection between the university and society.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
SMU emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders.
- The event highlights partnership among students, faculty, MSMEs, and the community.
- The GIFTED Project is a model of university-community collaboration for development
Ms. Robelyn Mae A. Lising, MBA 1
