BANCO De Oro Unibank, Inc. (BDO) has once again proven its unwavering support to SME (small and medium enterprises) clients as it completed another successful forum recently held in Cebu City.

Similar to what it has done in the four previous forums in Batangas, Cavite, Cabanatuan and Davao, the Cebu assembly, attended by more than 500 clients, featured an entrepreneurship expert, one of Cebu's most successful businessmen and resource speakers from BDO.

Entrepreneurship guru Prof. Andy Ferreria gave helpful tips on running a business while Dr. Rico Gandionco, chief executive of Cebu Primera Food Industries, shared their family's success story on Julie's Bakeshop. During his talk, Dr. Gandionco, an orthopedic surgeon by profession, shared this advice: “You got to have passion for the business. If not at the start, you must at least learn to love an important aspect of it and loving it whole will be a natural consequence. Bring God into your business and the workplace. Pay attention to details.”

From the Bank, FVP and chief market strategist Jonathan Ravelas discussed the current state of the economy and outlook for the near-term; SEVP for institutional banking Walter Wassmer familiarized the clients of the Bank's wide-ranging loan products; SVP for transaction banking group Jaime Nasol acquainted the audience with cash management, including collection and disbursement tools specifically for SMEs; while BDO Leasing and Finance president Roberto Lapid presented leasing opportunities accessible to clients.

BDO president Nestor V. Tan, who led the question and answer part, said doing the “Grow Your Business with BDO” forum in key areas around the country, is the bank's way of reaching out to small businesses.

“BDO grew as a result of helping businesses like you. No business is too small for the Bank,” he added.

Shown in photo are the key officers of BDO led by its president Nestor V. Tan (left most) responding to questions fielded by the attendees of the “Grow Your Business with BDO” SME forum. With him are executives Jonathan Ravelas, Roberto Lapid, Jaime Nasol and Walter Wassmer. Entrepreneurship guru Andy Ferreria also participated in the Q&A.