Wais University: Surf Philippines Introduced The World's First Online Entrepreneurship Program

Surf Philippines has created the first online entrepreneurship program, Wais University, to continue decades of support for millions of Filipino mothers around the country. Since then, more than 13,000 people have enrolled in the program, and the number continues to grow.

Surf hopes the program will serve as a catalyst for change, empowering Wais moms across the country to be successful in their entrepreneurial endeavors by instilling in them the confidence to start their own businesses, assisting them in better understanding the ins and outs of the industry, and giving them a better chance with any venture they choose to launch.

Ruby Pagobo and Bernadette Aguilar, who both recently graduated from Wais University, talk about how taking Surf's online business course equipped them with sufficient business know-how and self-assurance to launch their own companies, which in turn allowed them to dream bigger for themselves and their families.

These Wais Moms are now ready to put up their own business—here’s their journey to self-confidence and financial freedom

Challenges Faced

Ruby, a full-time mom, dreams of one thing: financial independence."Gusto ko magakaroon ng financial freedom, yung walang utang kasi siyempre gusto ko ma-secure yung future ng pamilya ko. Yung asawa ko naman OFW, so minsan mahirap talaga."

Bernadette, who’s also a full-time housewife and mom, is working towards financial stability and is willing to learn more practical skills that can help start her own business. However, it hasn’t been a steady journey as she admits that there are times that her family often has to scrimp so that they can afford their daily needs. "Napagkakasya ko ang budget para sa pangangailangan namin sa pamamagitan ng pagtitipid at pag-una ng mahahalagang bagay."

Both families suffered losses as a result of the pandemic as well as the ongoing inflation. Bernadette describes how the loss of a consistent income and the rising prices of commodities have become one of the major obstacles that they have had to confront as a family, particularly in regard to the requirements of day-to-day life.

New Normal, New Knowledge

Ruby and Bernadette, both Wais moms, have signed up for the Wais University, a program developed by Surf with the assistance of the Filipina Homebased Moms (FHMoms) Facebook community group, in order to obtain more information and make more money.

“Yung tingnan ko po yung mga topic na idi-discuss sa webinar, pasok po siya sa negosyo namin na gustong gawin,” Ruby recounts.“May nasimulan na kaming negosyo na online sushi store kaso nagsara noong bagyong Odette. Pero ngayon, sisimulan ulit namin pag uwi ng asawa ko.”

As a stay-at-home mother, Bernadette immediately became interested in the free virtual format, which suited her lifestyle. "Naging interesado akong matuto ng mga skills na iniisip kong makakatulong sa akin. Lalo na pag may libreng oras ako, may mapaglaanan ako na importante at saka libre naman, nasa bahay lang din ako at may gamit na mobile."

Wais Learnings

Ruby and Bernadette both say that they liked the online entrepreneurship program they took part in.

For Ruby, the assessment part of the program allows her to test her learning. She’s now more confident and enthusiastic about working, especially because she now knows what permits she needs to establish both an online and physical store.

“Lahat tayo may pangarap sa buhay, kaya go lang ng go!” encourages Ruby. “Ang mga problema nandiyan talaga yan kaya maghanap tayo ng paraan para magka-business. Sipag at Tiyaga lang talaga.”

In the meanwhile, Bernadette is pleased for future mothers who will be able to enroll in the course, which is free and offers resources to assist mothers feel more secure about beginning their own business. Bernadette's soap-making business develops as a result of her Wais University education.

She encourages other moms to take advantage of this free program, invest in their own learning, and start their own Wais Journey. "Yung may kids na pwede mag invest ng time sa pagsali sa mga grupo na sumusuporta sa mga ina at matuto sa ikauunlad ng sarili para makahanp ng opportunity na kumita nang hindi kailangang gumastos ng malaki. It takes time talaga pero worth it yung learning."

Want to gain the confidence to start and grow your own business like Ruby and Bernadette? Enroll for free in Negosyo Courses at www.waisuniversity.com to start your Wais journey to financial independence!