Women-led MSMEs take spotlight in trade fair

The Women’s Business Council of the Philippines (WomenbizPH) is set to conduct a strategic support program to address the needs of the country’s recovering economy while showcasing female-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the forefront from July 29 to 31 at the Event Area, Building A Lower Ground, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, which will be followed by a virtual exhibit from Aug. 1 to 20, 2022.

WomenbizPH, the lead private sector partner of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is offering to assist up to 120 womenowned MSMEs through the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair to equip them with the necessary skills and tools for business continuity in 2022 and beyond.

With over 99.5 percent of registered businesses in the country belonging to small enterprises, and 54 percent of all these are run by women, the trade fair will seek to promote the products of women entrepreneurs to both the local and global markets.

The program is a collaboration with industry leaders such as logistics company Airspeed, Go Negosyo, and the International Labor Association, among many others, for the three-day event in support of MSMEs in the country towards recovery from the pandemic.

Airspeed, a part of SM Investments Corp.’s investment portfolio, is a known driver of MSME support in the country rooted in the principles of Airspeed chairman and president Rosemarie Rafael, a fellow lady pioneer in the industry.

Rafael believes empowerment as a fundamental key in the success of any businesses.

“When people are empowered, it creates an innate desire of self-determination, which when nurtured could translate to positive results. Supporting women-owned businesses help build a ladder for more women to take their vision into ventures and pass on what they learn to empower others to follow suit,” she said.