Go Negosyo holds women entrepreneurship summit

MANILA, Philippines — Go Negosyo held on Saturday the Women Entrepreneurship Summit at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

Leading the event were First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez.

Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion welcomed nearly a thousand women entrepreneurs who came to learn from seasoned entrepreneurs who spoke at the event.

“In the 17 years that we’ve worked closely with MSMEs, we found that women make the most resourceful, creative and determined entrepreneurs,” Concepcion said.

“That’s why we make it a point, since early in Go Negosyo’s history, to always dedicate one of our events to honoring women entrepreneurs,” he added.

With the theme “Celebrating Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs,” the Women Summit 2023 seeks to highlight the role of women in various fields, including innovation, technology, trade and business leadership and recognizes women who have excelled in these fields.

The event was also an opportunity to present successful business models that women can venture into and inspire the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders to pursue their dreams, build their businesses and make a positive impact on society.

During the summit, 15 outstanding Filipina entrepreneurs received the Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurship Award. The award is given to those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made meaningful impact in their communities.

More than 200 outstanding women entrepreneurs have already been given the award since its inception.

Philippine Retailers Association president and Wilcon Depot senior executive vice president Rosemarie Ong chaired this year’s awards, while ASEAN BAC Philippines and Go Negosyo senior adviser Josephine Romero presided over the awarding ceremonies.

The Women Entrepreneurship Summit 2023 was also a day of insightful discussion and inspiring stories.

Discussing their journey in the male-dominated world of tech were Angkas founder Angeline Tham, Kumu VP and She Talks Asia co-founder Victoria Herrera, GrowSari CMO Maimai Punzalan and Kindred Health CEO Jessica de Mesa.

Business-minded beauties Ms. Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz and Ms. Universe Philippines (Agusan del Norte) Jannarie Zarzoso shared their entrepreneurial journeys in their post-pageant life, while Amina Aranaz-Alunan talked about being a first-mover in the fashion accessories business.

On the other hand, Jessica Wilson of Sunnies Face gave her insights on what it takes to build a trusted brand, while content creator Nana Silayro talked about purpose and celebrating individuality.

Celebrity mom Melai Cantiveros-Francisco also held her own stand-up inspirational talk before the audience.

Lydia’s Lechon founder Lydia de Roca, Ate Rica’s Bacsilog owner Rica Peñalosa and mother-daughter tandem Mary Grace Dimacali and Marian Dimacali Calaquian of Mary Grace recounted what it took to succeed in the food business.

Eggluck owner Luck Pedro, House of Musa founder Gleizl Joy Soo, Arkat Lawanen chair Amielyn Limbona and Something Nice CEO Rosanna Kabiling participated in a forum on what it takes to succeed as a woman entrepreneur.

Livening things up was celebrity vlogger Macoy Dubs who gave talk in his “Lisa B” persona about diversity and inclusivity.

Go Negosyo also conducted free entrepreneurship mentoring sessions simultaneous with the event, while sponsors offering assistance on capital and access to markets, including Esquire Financing Inc., were on hand to offer interest-free loans of P50,000 to attendees.

The Women Summit 2023 was held in partnership with the US embassy.