The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is assisting entrepreneurs in Negros Occidental grow their businesses through the 35 Negosyo Centers located across the province.

“These Negosyo Centers are strategically located to bring services closer to you. Whether you are just starting your business journey or aiming to take it to the next level, your nearest Negosyo Center will be glad to assist you –every step of the way,” DTI-Negros Occidental said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the DTI, a dedicated team is available in each Negosyo Center to assist local entrepreneurs, including owners of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and aspiring business owners through coaching and mentoring services.

“When your business succeeds, Negros Occidental thrives,” it said.

All 32 local government units in Negros Occidental, including this highly-urbanized city, have fully operational Negosyo Centers.

In Bacolod City, there are four Negosyo Centers, including the one located at the DTI-Negros Occidental Provincial Office, Negros Occidental Food Terminal Market, SM City Bacolod, and Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

In the first district, these are located in the cities of Escalante and San Carlos as well as in the municipalities of Toboso, Calatrava and Don Salvador Benedicto.

In the second district, these are in the cities of Cadiz and Sagay, and Manapla town.

The Negosyo Centers in the third district are hosted by the cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias, and the towns of E. B. Magalona and Murcia.

In the fourth district, these are situated in the cities of Bago and La Carlota, and the municipalities of Pontevedra, Pulupandan, San Enrique and Valladolid.

In the fifth district, Negosyo Centers can be found in Himamaylan City and the adjacent municipalities of Binalbagan, Hinigaran, Isabela, La Castellana and Moises Padilla.

Negosyo Centers in the sixth district are located in the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay as well as in the municipalities of Candoni, Cauayan, Hinoba-an and Ilog.

Engiemar Tupas, chief trade-industry development specialist of DTI-Negros Occidental, said the presence of Negosyo Centers across the province has positively contributed to the development of Negrense entrepreneurs, and also enabled the DTI to bring its services closer to the people, especially those in the countryside.

Republic Act 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act, mandates that a Negosyo Center should be established in all cities and municipalities nationwide. (PNA)