Journey from market to mainstream starts with discovery
WOMEN entrepreneurs proudly showcase their products at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair at SM Megamall on 10 August.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SM SUPERMALLS
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WOMEN entrepreneurs proudly showcase their products at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair at SM Megamall on 10 August.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SM SUPERMALLS
The Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair 2026 (WSNHTF) organized by WomenBizPH and SM Supermalls at SM Megamall on 10 August has given startups of women entrepreneurs that formula to success: discovery.
Ma. Cecilia Mina of Tinguian Ethnic Art Handloom Woven Products from Apayao, said that trade fairs like WSNHTF have changed the way they reach customers.
“We used to just go around peddling our goods to make sales. It is a huge relief to be able to participate in trade fairs like this. This is our fifth year here,” Mina said.
Gloria Pantaleon recalled starting her store Gloria’s Delicacies by joining trade fairs.
“Today some of our popular products are already being distributed through SM Hypermarket. Our dream is to reach even more customers through other SM retail channels. That’s what opportunities like these can do — give a small local business like ours a pathway to become something bigger,” Pantaleon said.
Corrs Valenton, CEO of Corrsy’s Kitchen, shared that she started with just a small booth at SM in 2022.
“Today, we have grown into kiosks at SM City Fairview and SM City Bicutan. SM gave us the opportunity to be discovered, reach more customers, and turn a small beginning into a growing business,” according to Valenton.
Sitti Go Se of Mindanao Pearl International, maker of pearl jewelry, added that the WSNHTF also promotes culture.
SM Supermalls’ role goes beyond providing places where people shop, said Royston Cabunag, assistant vice president and head of SM Communities at SM Supermalls, during the opening of the trade fair.
“Through SM for MSMEs, we create platforms where entrepreneurs can be discovered, local brands can flourish, and communities can thrive. Behind every great Filipino brand is an entrepreneur whose story deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated,” Cabunag said.
Rosemarie Bosch Ong, president of WomenBizPH, also shared during the opening that the Women Strong Network is about building not only businesses, but a community where women can learn, grow and inspire one another, with platforms such as SM helping their stories and products reach more people.
