OFWs who have successfully founded their own businesses here in the Philippines are being encouraged to share their entrepreneurship journey via the 2024 Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards. The annual award is organized by Go Negosyo to recognize the contributions of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), share their success stories, celebrate the achievements of OFWs-turned-entrepreneurs, and foster entrepreneurial aspirations among current OFWs.

The awards will be given out during the Balik-Bayan 2024 on December 7, 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Organized by Go Negosyo, Balik-Bayan 2024 will feature informative discussions with industry leaders, inspirational and learning sessions featuring successful entrepreneurs, and free onsite mentorship sessions where OFWs and their families can consult with Go Negosyo mentors about their current or planned businesses.

“Balik-Bayan 2024 is a platform to provide business opportunities and foster investment matches for OFWs, encouraging them toward entrepreneurship and ensuring that their hard work and resources are put to productive and profitable use,” said Joey Concepcion, founder of Go Negosyo.

Last year, 13 OFW-turned-entrepreneurs and their families were given the Inspiring  Balik-Bayan Award in special categories, including Inspiring Balik-Bayan-Turned-Entrepreneur, Inspiring Balik-Bayan-Turned-Influencer, Inspiring Balik-Bayan Creative Artist, and a special award for Inspiring Balik-Bayan Family. They included agripreneurs, restaurant owners, health and beauty entrepreneurs, as well as creatives.

Balik-Bayan 2024 will feature plenary sessions designed as learning opportunities for OFWs who want to establish or grow their businesses. Former OFWs turned entrepreneurs, meanwhile, will be featured in a forum where they will share the challenges they encountered as Filipino OFWs building businesses overseas, or as returning OFWs who have successfully reintegrated into the country as entrepreneurs.

Attendees will also be able to get pointers on content creation and the use of social media in growing their businesses, while companies offering business opportunities and financing options will also be on hand at exhibitors’ booths alongside the event venue.

“I would like to think that ‘Balik-Bayan’ extends beyond the usual Tagalog term that refers to overseas Filipinos returning to their homeland,” said Concepcion. “It is also a call for our expatriates to give back to the country – mag-balik sa bayan – by sharing their knowledge and resources with their countrymen and contributing to the progress of our nation,” he said.

Applicants for the 2024 Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards must be 18 years old and above, either active or former/retired OFWs and have the relevant government documents such as passport, work permit, and OFW documents such as residence card, OWWA/POEA registration, overseas employment certificate, seaman’s book or job contract. Applicants must also have documentation of their businesses, such as business registration, business profile, and financial records. Other requirements are available on the website. Interested parties can register at https://bit.ly/BALIK-BAYANAwards2024, where they can download the application form, which must be completed and sent via email to awards@gonegosyo.ph with the email subject: [Full Name of applicant] – Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards 2024.

The deadline for submission is on November 20, 2024.