Makati City, Philippines — The 17th Philippine SME Business Expo: Entrepreneur and Franchise Edition officially gathered its media partners and corporate sponsors for a successful Media Launch held at SPACES Century Diamond Tower in Makati City. This marks the lead-up to the highly anticipated expo happening on November 28–29, 2025, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.
Led by PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, the media launch emphasized the expo’s commitment to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs. In her opening message, Esguerra-Abrenilla expressed gratitude to the media for amplifying MSME stories and reiterated PHILSME’s mission as a platform where opportunities, collaboration, and innovation converge. “Every edition of PHILSME represents collaboration in action — from sponsors who innovate, to media who tell the stories, to entrepreneurs who drive our economy forward,” she said. She added that the upcoming expo will further highlight how strong partnerships unlock possibilities for small and medium enterprises.
Joining the media panel were major sponsors who shared their initiatives in support of Philippine SMEs: Renz Patrick Diaz, Manager at Toyota Motors Philippines, who discussed mobility solutions designed for business owners; Martin Kristopher Limgenco II, GCash B2B Commercial Head, who highlighted digital finance and financial inclusion; and Jude Paul Espinas, Chairman and Co-Founder of Taho Story, who talked about transforming a traditional Filipino favorite into a modernized, scalable brand.
A central topic during the press conference was the role of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in local entrepreneurship. Organizers underscored how OFW families can explore franchise options through the Expo’s Franchising Village, potentially enabling OFWs to return home while maintaining sustainable business income.
Journalists and industry partners also engaged in discussions about SME competitiveness, this year’s expo highlights, and the increasing participation of both regional and international exhibitors. A short networking session followed.
The 17th PHILSME Expo is expected to host 130+ exhibitors, 180 brands, and over 10,000 attendees from across the Philippines and abroad. The event will also feature PHILSME Business Talks with confirmed speakers Myrna Natividad (Mommy Negosyo), Dr. Francisco “Dean Pax” Lapid, Jonathan Yabut, and Boss RDR (Reymond Delos Reyes).
Another major announcement was the strategic alliance between PHILSME and NakakaLocal of the PhilStar Media Group. The partnership aims to strengthen nationwide support for MSMEs, aligning both organizations’ advocacies for Filipino entrepreneurship.
Registration is now open, with free tickets available at www.philsme.com/ticket. Walk-in attendees during the expo will be subject to an entrance fee.
No comments:
Post a Comment