University of Luzon Launches Project G.R.O.W.T.H. to Empower Local Entrepreneurs

The University of Luzon’s unwavering commitment to inclusive economic growth and community transformation was recently demonstrated with the successful launch of Project G.R.O.W.T.H. (Guided Resourceful Opportunities for Wealth, Transformation, and Holistic Development). This significant collaborative initiative, held on October 5, 2025, in Barangay Carael, was spearheaded by the University of Luzon Graduate School, specifically through its Master in Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs, in conjunction with the College of Business Administration and the Barangay Carael Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Council. The project’s primary goal is to strengthen local entrepreneurship by actively fostering capacity for innovation and promoting sustainable business practices among community members.

The launch event successfully brought together numerous Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners from the community, demonstrating a robust local desire for business improvement. Throughout the day, participants actively engaged in a comprehensive series of specialized discussions and mentoring sessions meticulously designed to enhance their fundamental business management skills and capacity for innovation. This effort directly reinforces the role of the University in extending knowledge beyond the campus, ensuring that the rigorous academic standards upheld by the University’s Graduate School programs translate into tangible and resilient community benefits.

The seminar featured four critical learning sessions, each led by a distinguished expert from the academe and industry, providing focused, actionable insights for the participating SME owners. Mr. Mardion U. Soriano initiated the core program with an in-depth discussion on “Financial Operation and Management for SMEs,” underscoring the necessity of efficient budgeting, proactive cash flow management, and informed financial decision-making as pillars of business stability. Following this, Mr. Victor P. Claveria presented an analysis of “The SME Supply Chain,” which emphasized the strategic importance of nurturing strong supplier relationships, optimizing logistics efficiency, and promoting effective value-chain collaboration across the local economy.

Shifting focus to future-proofing businesses, Prof. Alvin O. Carillo delivered an inspiring session titled “Innovation in SME.” His presentation actively encouraged participants to strategically integrate creativity and digital transformation into their operational and business models, vital steps for remaining competitive in the modern market. The concluding topic, “The Secret to Business Growth and Longevity: Sustainability for SMEs,” was delivered by Mr. Lyndon Mark Obedoza. This session stressed the crucial need for entrepreneurs to adopt environmentally responsible and socially inclusive business strategies, ensuring their ventures contribute positively to the broader community while securing their own long-term viability and success.

The successful execution of Project G.R.O.W.T.H. was the result of dedicated institutional and community leadership. The launch was spearheaded by Dr. Carmelo John E. Vidal, Dean of the Graduate School, alongside Dr. Jean V. Ramos, MBA Program Coordinator, and Dr. Amalia G. Dela Cruz, DBA Program Coordinator. Their institutional commitment was matched by the vital partnership provided by the Barangay Carael SK Council, under the leadership of Mr. John Patrick D. De Vera, which was instrumental in ensuring local support and deep engagement with the community’s SME sector. This collaborative framework is designed to empower local entrepreneurs through mentorship and innovation-driven training that are aligned with the University’s institutional commitment to community extension, sustainable enterprise, and inclusive economic progress.

Ultimately, the establishment of Project G.R.O.W.T.H. serves as a clear demonstration of the University of Luzon’s mission to act as a catalyst for social innovation and community transformation. The specific activities undertaken, from financial literacy training to dedicated sustainability discussions, directly correspond to key global initiatives. The project strongly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by actively promoting entrepreneurship, productivity, and the creation of better local jobs within the barangay. Furthermore, it advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the nurturing of innovation-driven enterprises and enhanced business capacities capable of long-term development. Finally, the foundational partnership between the University, its academic programs, and the local government exemplifies adherence to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), highlighting the critical role of collaborative engagements with local government and private stakeholders in achieving systemic, sustainable success across the region.