The value of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to the local economy cannot be understated. While their scale and revenue may not amount to those of global brands, these create jobs and help reduce incidences of poverty at the community level.
However, unlike more established enterprises, aspiring entrepreneurs may find difficulty taking off and getting started.
Go Negosyo, the advocacy of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), and a non-stock, non-profit organization (NGO), believes that providing these businesses access to the 3Ms (money, markets, and mentoring) could lead to their success.
Among those aiding them in their mission to reach out to these MSMEs are women-led businesses. Last August 5, 2024, at the Manila Polo Club, Go Negosyo mounted the “Women in Collaboration of MSME Development” event to showcase some of the partners they’ve been working with.
Guests include First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Dept. of Trade and Industry Acting Sec. Cris Roque, and Dept. of Tourism Sec. Cristina Garcia Frasco—all who are eyeing to insert women-led MSMEs in the agenda of the Philippine-hosted Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026.
Cong. Caroline Tanchay, Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Go Negosyo trustee Marissa Concepcion, PCW Chair Ermelita Valdeavill, top executives of the country’s biggest companies including Tessie Sy Coson, Doris Ho, and Alice Eduardo, and successful women entrepreneurs and leaders like Rosemarie Rafael and Myrna Yao also joined the festivities.
In order to achieve its goals, Go Negosyo also undertakes several capacity-building programs for its constituents. These include: 3M On Wheels (3MOW), a series of free nationwide mentorship programs; Kapatid Agri Mentor Me Program (KAMMP), where industry practitioners provide farmers, fisherfolks, and other agricultural partners with knowledge and strategies; and Kapatid Angat Lahat Agri Program, where the NGO connects MSMEs with private companies and government agencies.
