WOMENBIZ | WOMEN STRONG trade fair spotlights women entrepreneurs

The WOMENBIZ | WOMEN STRONG Trade Fair successfully concluded back-to-back events at SM City Cebu (4 to 6 July) and SM Megamall (8 to 10 July), bringing together some of the Philippines’ most inspiring women entrepreneurs under one empowering roof.

Organized by WomenBizPH in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and SM Supermalls, the trade fair spotlighted women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (WMSMEs) offering products in fashion, crafts, food, and innovative homegrown goods. The event celebrated women’s ingenuity, resilience, and contributions to nation-building through entrepreneurship.

More than a marketplace, the trade fair served as a platform for capacity-building and collaboration. Daily knowledge-sharing sessions featured guest speakers including industry leaders, government officials, and successful entrepreneurs who discussed market access, trade opportunities, and digitalization strategies for WMSMEs.

Since its founding in 2021, the Women Strong Network — an initiative by WomenBizPH and DTI — has grown into a community of more than 600 members nationwide. The network supports business resilience, innovation, and market access for women entrepreneurs across the country.

At both venues, awards for Best in Sales and Best in Booth Design were presented during Capstone Ceremonies. Winners received tools such as brand-new laptops to help digitize their businesses.

The success of the two-leg hybrid trade fair underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing women’s entrepreneurship. SM Supermalls, as a committed venue partner, continues to promote inclusive economic participation by providing platforms for MSMEs, especially women-owned enterprises, to thrive.