DLSU-D and Mercato Centrale Partner to Bring Food Entrepreneurs from Kitchen Concept to Market Success

De La Salle University–Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) and the Mercato Centrale Group formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement signing at Ayuntamiento de Gonzalez, Seminar Room A, paving the way for industry-based training, mentorship, and market opportunities for aspiring food entrepreneurs.

The collaboration introduces Mercato Academy: From Kitchen Concept to Market Success, a program designed to help students and micro-entrepreneurs develop, launch, and sustain food businesses. By connecting academic learning with industry experience, the initiative seeks to transform promising food concepts into viable ventures while advancing the university’s commitment to experiential learning, innovation, and community development.

Representing DLSU-D at the ceremony were Br. Inigo Riola, FSC, University President; Dr. Mary Felidora Florinor Amparo, Vice Provost for Academics; Dr. Epitacio Mendiola, Dean of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy; Ms Hazel Bautista, Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning; Mr. Renz Mascardo, Chair of the Allied Business Department; Mr. Michael del Rosario, Allied Business Department faculty member; and Ms. Agnes Olarte, Linkages Office representative.

The Mercato Centrale Group was represented by Mr. RJ Ledesma, Chief Innovating Officer and Co-Founder; Mr. Daniel Aguilar, General Manager; and Mr. Alex Milasky, Operations Manager.

Turning Food Ideas into Market-Ready Ventures

Food entrepreneurship remains an accessible pathway for aspiring business owners, with food carts, weekend markets, and curated dining experiences offering opportunities to introduce new products and reach customers. Entering the industry, however, requires more than a promising recipe. Entrepreneurs must also understand costing, food safety, branding, operations, and customer demand.

Mercato Academy aims to address these needs through hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions covering food business fundamentals, food safety and compliance, product development and menu engineering, branding and packaging, pricing and costing, digital marketing, and food cart operations.

A dedicated food cart development track will guide participants in designing their concepts, planning cart layouts and workflows, sourcing ingredients and suppliers, estimating capital requirements, and preparing for actual operations.

The program is intended for BS Entrepreneurship students and students from related programs, aspiring student entrepreneurs, micro food entrepreneurs in Cavite and nearby regions, and start-up food brands seeking market exposure.

Connecting Training, Mentorship, and Market Access

Through mentorship from Mercato Centrale industry practitioners, participants will receive feedback on their business concepts, menus, branding, and pricing. Test kitchen activities will provide opportunities to refine products, gather feedback, and improve their offerings before entering the market.

The initiative also aims to introduce participants to potential investors and financing sources through pitching opportunities and workshops on financial planning and investment readiness.

As a culminating experience, participants are envisioned to showcase their products through a Mercato-style market within DLSU-D or participation in an official Mercato Centrale event in Cavite. This live selling platform will allow them to engage customers, test demand, and gain practical experience in running their businesses.

Extending Opportunities to Community Entrepreneurs

The partnership also places inclusive livelihood development at the heart of the initiative. Through a community development track in partnership with the Livelihood Enterprise Development Center (LEDC), selected micro-entrepreneurs from underserved communities are intended to receive free training through full scholarships to Mercato Academy.

Practical modules will focus on low-capital food ventures, sustainable costing and pricing, food safety, and simple marketing strategies. Coaching will also support participants in preparing for business registration and formal operations.

Eligible community participants may access assistance through LEDC’s microcredit program, subject to its requirements, alongside financial literacy and responsible borrowing orientation. Opportunities to join the culminating market experience will enable them to showcase their products alongside student entrepreneurs.

By bringing together education, industry expertise, and community support, DLSU-D and Mercato Centrale aim to create a pathway from kitchen creativity to market opportunity—helping students and local entrepreneurs build food businesses that can generate income, create livelihoods, and contribute to the local economy.

This article aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):

• No. 4: Quality Education
• No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals