In the Philippines, 99.51 percent of businesses are micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), a vital sector amid a struggling economy. The pandemic dealt a heavy blow to MSMEs.
With 54 percent of MSMEs owned by women, the Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBizPH) in partnership with International Labour Organization (ILO) Philippines launched the first Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair at SM Megamall from 29 to 31 July.
The event aims to bring back business continuity planning and develop a network for MSMEs to sustain knowledge building, exchange and innovation.
WomenBiz is the leading private sector partner of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Commission on Women. It has worked to advance women’s agenda in Asia Pacific and Asean region.
Over the years, WomenBizPH has addressed the needs of women in business. It promotes MSMEs through networking by bringing them closer to institutions in order to have continuity of access to the market, tools, finance and guidance on business reengineering and change management.
It has launched programs and events to empower women-led and owned businesses via finance, research, continuing education, networks, science and technology to grow and be more sustainable.
The event is supported by SM Supermalls, Airspeed, Amazing Philippines Digital Economy Corporation (APDEC), Filipino Online Professional Service Cooperative (FOPSCo), Go Negosyo, Highly Succeed, French Baker and Philippine Airlines.
The trade fair will be followed by an online exhibition that can be accessed from 1 to 20 August. The hybrid event is open to the public.
For more information about the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair, contact Jerome dela Cruz at admin@womenbiz.ph or Jonna Cansancho at womenstrong@gmail.com.