To help make it easier to do business in Mindanao, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is strengthening the capability of chambers of commerce and other business support organizations through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program. USAID’s GEM Program recently organized a seminar in Cebu for the executive directors and key staff of 15 Mindanao chambers and producer associations that assisted them in formulating proposals for public-private partnerships for development. In addition to training in investment promotion, business event management, financial planning, and delivery of services to members, USAID has also arranged for new chambers to be mentored by more established chambers assisted earlier through GEM. USAID’s GEM Program is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).