Nationwide search for young entrepreneurs launched

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - The Philippine chapter of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) launched Wednesday the search for the Philippine representatives to the JCI 2008 Creative Young Entrepreneurs Award (CYEA) in Davao City. On its second year, the JCI Philippines-Robinsons Malls Creative Young Entrepreneur Award will recognize young Filipino entrepreneurs for their innovation and fresh ideas. Ana B. Pista, deputy national chairman of JCI CYEA Philippines, said: "The JCI CYEA is a major award because a big portion of the youth sector remains untapped. Many young people are still yearning to show their wares to become competent entrepreneurs in the future." With this year's theme "Shine! Standout to be the World's Most Creative Entrepreneur," the competition will highlight entrepreneurs who excelled in new product development, service development, marketing, solving business problems, and changing process in a positive way. In order to qualify, a nominee must be either an owner or manager who is directly involved in building the business. He or she must also be a resident of the area within which they are being nominated. According to Pista, the competition is unique because it rewards creativity and introduction of new ideas. "It rewards creativity. You have a problem with your supply chain system and rising employee turnover. You introduced creative or ingenious solutions. Lo and behold, problem solved! This is what CYEA recognizes and honors," she said. Eric Alba, chapter president of JCI-Durian City Inc. and the area lead for Mindanao, explained that the nomination is simple and anyone can nominate. Young entrepreneurs are encouraged to nominate themselves. "I know from our membership and contacts in the business community that Davao and other relevant markets in Mindanao are filled with creative and talented young business owners and entrepreneurs. We are excited about these people entering the competition, and their potential to be international winner," he said. The contest aims to produce the first Filipino winner in the international competition, which eventually could boost the popularity of the contest in the Philippines. Producing the first winner is the goal of 2008 JCI CYEA team because it will motivate other young entrepreneurs. Nick Partoza, chapter president of JCI-Davao Jaycees Inc., is responsible for cascading the details of the program among all JCI Davao Chapters. He said joining the contest is easy. "In order to qualify, a nominee must be either an owner or manager who is directly involved in building the business. He or she must also be a resident of the area within which they are being nominated. The competition is open to all Filipino entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 to 40," Partoza said. The three finalists will represent the Philippines in the international edition of the JCI-CYEA for the top creative young entrepreneur in the world to be held on November 4-5, 2008 in New Delhi, India. The finalists will get a free-round trip ticket to attend the JCI World Congress. The winning package also includes a five-day hotel stay at congress headquarters hotel and one free JCI world congress registration. All nominations must be submitted using the online nomination form on JCI website at www.jci.cc/cyea or www.cyeaph.org. For interested parties, kindly log on to www.jci..cc/cyea or www.cyeaph.org. Deadline of submission of entries is on May 31, 2008. For more information, please contact Jolex Lim at 0917-7711225 or Ana Pista at 0927-6506797. - Sun.Star Davao