Bacolod City: 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 stated on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, 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,' the agency emphasized.

All 32 local government units in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, have fully operational Negosyo Centers. In Bacolod City, there are four Negosyo Centers, including those at the DTI-Negros Occidental Provincial Office, Negros Occidental Food Terminal Market, SM City Bacolod, and Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

In the first district, Negosyo Centers are located in the cities of Escalante and San Carlos, as well as in the municipalities of Toboso, Calatrava, and Don Salvador Benedicto. The second district hosts centers in the cities of Cadiz and Sagay, and Manapla town.

The third district's Negosyo Centers are hosted by the cities of Talisay, Silay, and Victorias, and the towns of E. B. Magalona and Murcia. In the fourth district, these centers 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. Meanwhile, the sixth district's centers 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, noted that the presence of Negosyo Centers across the province has positively contributed to the development of Negrense entrepreneurs. It has 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.