(L-R): Kathryn Bondy (Economic Officer, US Embassy-Manila), Mel Alonzo (President, SPARK! Philippines, Joel Ehrenreich (Economic Counselor, US Embassy – Manila), Manuel, Polot, Basa, Aniag and Usec. Nora Terrado of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dalareich Polot of Bohol emerged as the grand prize winner in the first ever Young Women Entrepreneur Bootcamp (YWEB) held last September 23-25 at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.

Polot bested 26 other fellows in a business plan competition which was part the three day training organized by the Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK!) and The United States Embassy in Manila.

Ambassador Delia Albert together with other women business leaders serve as judges in the said competition.

YWEB is a leadership and mentoring initiative that aims to help Filipino women entrepreneurs expand their knowledge of business strategies and best business practices. YWEB offers a strategic and innovative approach to empower young women and give them the skills needed to scale up their businesses.

With the rising demand for cocoa and cocoa-based products in both national and global markets, Polot seems to have a bright prospect when she started to venture into cacao business. Dalareich Food Products mainly focuses in manufacturing high quality unsweetened chocolates or “tableya”, made out of 100% cacao beans in a round-shaped mold and bars.

“I want to give back to my community by encouraging young people to go in business to generate jobs for the community” said Polot.

As the grand prize winner, Polot received trophy, certificate and US$5,000.

Other winners Katrina Aniag ( C&K Handicrafts),Fatima Elijah Basar (Elijah’s Marketing) and Bernadette Manuel ( Seon Kris Food Products Innovation) also awarded trophies, certificates and US$1,000 each. (YWEB 2013 Documentation Team)