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August 25, 2025. — Coastline 5023: DOST–UPV Fisheries TBI officially kicked off its BizContinuity Workshop Series Accelerator Program with the highly anticipated Founders’ Retreat: Business Competency Enhancement Training at the scenic Urban Glamp Resort.
The retreat marked the official start of a new learning journey for Coastline 5023’s acceleratees, designed to strengthen resilience and equip them with vital tools for scaling their businesses. With the breathtaking backdrop of Oton’s coastal landscape, participants were immersed in a blend of learning, reflection, and inspiration that set the tone for the workshops to come.
The day opened with a warm welcome from Ms. Milyn C. Leghid, Project Leader of Coastline 5023 FTBI. In her remarks, she reminded the participants of the program’s purpose: to support entrepreneurs in navigating challenges, sharpening their business competencies, and fostering growth-ready enterprises.
One of the highlights of the morning session was the keynote talk by Ms. Aivee Genson, founder and owner of Urban Glamp Resort. Speaking on the theme “Success on My Own Terms,” she shared her entrepreneurial journey—from the challenges of starting out to the breakthroughs that allowed her to create a distinctive and thriving destination in Iloilo. Ms. Genson emphasized the importance of passion, perseverance, and innovation as keys to setting a venture apart. Her story not only inspired but also gave acceleratees a concrete example of how creativity can translate into sustainable success.
To cap off the morning, participants were treated to a guided tour of the resort, where they saw firsthand how the combination of vision, uniqueness, and determination can be transformed into a business that stands out in today’s competitive market.
The afternoon sessions were equally impactful. Mr. Reynald Laurea delivered an informative discussion on enterprise funding and financing opportunities in the Philippines. He provided practical insights on how startups and SMEs can tap into available resources, demystifying the often daunting world of capital and funding support.
Following this, Mr. Ken Lerona facilitated a reflective workshop on business competency and self-introspection. His interactive session guided entrepreneurs to assess their strengths, identify gaps, and align their personal growth with the trajectory of their ventures. Participants were encouraged to take a step back, reflect on their journey, and rediscover the values that fuel their entrepreneurial drive.
The retreat concluded with heartfelt reminders from Ms. Leghid, who encouraged the acceleratees to maximize this unique opportunity, reminding them that the BizContinuity Workshop Series is not just about technical training but also about personal transformation and community building.
Coastline 5023 expressed its deep appreciation to the participating enterprises for their active engagement and to the staff of Urban Glamp Resort for their warm hospitality. The Founders’ Retreat stands as more than just a launch event—it is the beginning of a collective journey to hatch resilient, future-ready enterprises at the coast.
This retreat is only the first of many sessions in the BizContinuity Workshop Series. With more activities and learning opportunities lined up, Coastline 5023 reaffirms its commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs to rise above challenges, seize opportunities, and tech it to the next level. 🚀
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