Go Negosyo held the Women Entrepreneurship Summit last Saturday, March 18, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City. Headlining the event was First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, while US Ambassador Marykay Carlson, Department of Trade and Industry Sec. Alfredo Pascual, Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez, joined Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion welcomed the nearly 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,” said Concepcion. “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 said.

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 recognize 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.

Fifteen outstanding Filipina entrepreneurs were awarded the Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurship Award during the summit. The award is given to outstanding Filipina entrepreneurs 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 SEVP Rosemarie Ong chaired this year’s Inspiring Filipina Awards, while ASEAN BAC Philippines and Go Negosyo Senior Adviser Josephine Romero will preside 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 MaimaiPunzalan, and Kindred Health CEO Jessica De Mesa.

Business-minded beauties Ms. Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz and Ms. Universe Philippines (Agusan del Norte) Jannarie Zarzososhared their entrepreneurial journeys in their post-pageant life, while Amina Aranaz-Alunan talked about being a first-mover in the fashion accessories business. 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, while celebrity mom MelaiCantiveros-Francisco held her own stand-up, inspirational talk before the audience.

Lydia’s Lechon founder Lydia de Roca, Ate Rica’s BacsilogOwner Rica Peñalosa, and mother-daughter tandem Mary Grace Dimacali and Marian Dimacali Calaquian of Mary Gracerecounted what it took to succeed in the food business, while 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, including. 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 were on hand, including Esquire Financing Inc., which will offer interest-free loans of Php50,000 to attendees of the Women Entrepreneurs Summit. The Women Summit 2023 was held in partnership with the US Embassy.