VALENZUELA City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian said on Sunday the local government had partnered with Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion for the second time with a popular shopping mall for the 3M on Wheels mentorship program.

Held at the SM City Valenzuela, more than 500 participants had registered and benefited from free one-on-one mentorship sessions with experienced business leaders from various industries, Gatchalian said.

The program empowers micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing critical support in mentorship, money and market (3M), the city government said.

Spearheaded by Concepcion's Go Negosyo, the 3M on Wheels offers entrepreneurs guidance on navigating the challenges of starting and scaling their businesses.

The event at SM City Valenzuela attracted a significant number of participants eager to learn from industry experts and gain insights into achieving business success, City Public Information Officer Mara Salazar-Ignacio said.

Gatchalian noted that the active participation of city residents in the program showed their interest in learning more about 3M, which is important in putting up even the smallest business.

"It is a great honor to once again host 3M on Wheels for the second time because of how successful the first one was. We are very happy to have it here again in SM City Valenzuela to help our aspiring entrepreneurs," he said.

The city government's support for 3M on Wheels aligns with its broader initiatives to promote ease of doing business, exemplified by the "Paspas Permit" system, which streamlines the business registration process.

These efforts have been instrumental in fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages investment and entrepreneurship in the city, the mayor said.

Aside from Gatchalian and Concepcion, Acting Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Valenzuela President Helen Lising, and other businessmen and mentors attended the event.