By Maria Asumpta Estefanie C. Reyes/PIA 3
SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ — The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) is offering various services to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through its Agriculture and Food Technology Business Incubator (AFTBI) program.
These services include facilitating the transfer and commercialization of matured technologies developed by the university’s researchers, as well as providing training and mentorship, business counseling, and product development and improvement.
CLSU AFTBI Director Pablo Rafael Jr. stated that the program aims to assist MSMEs in growing and commercializing their products in larger markets, nationally and globally.
“In the facility, our inwall incubatees are using several lines of equipment, such as meat processing lines, drying lines, juice lines, freezing lines, and smoking lines. It also has storage facilities, a laboratory, and a bakery,” he shared.
In terms of training and mentorship, the program focuses on areas such as business plan development, food handling, sanitation, feasibility studies, and business model canvas.
Additionally, Rafael mentioned that the program also offers tailor-fit training based on the specific needs of the participants as identified in the needs assessment.
“From product development to marketing, we provide training for that. The approach of [AFTBI] is holistic. So, we provide all the necessary training for our incubatees to ensure that their businesses will take off in the market; to ensure, to a certain extent, that their business operations will be successful,” he emphasized.
Moreover, the program’s services are also available to students and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in utilizing the technology available at the university for their business endeavors.
“To all those who want to start a business and improve their products, you are welcome here at CLSU AFTBI. We are open to discussing the technologies and services you need,” Rafael furthered.
Interested individuals may visit CLSU AFTBI located within the university in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.
They can also check out the CLSU Agriculture and Food Technology Business Incubator Facebook page or contact 0906-405-4463 for more information.
CLSU AFTBI is a program funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology.
