Over 230 women entrepreneurs learn how to expand their business online

(From left) Anton Villaluz of Facebook, Gina Romero of Connected Women, DICT ASec Ivin Alzona, Ruth Yu-Owen of Connected Women, and Engineer Amelia Dean.

MANILA, Philippines — Over 230 women entrepreneurs were given tutorials on how to expand their business in the digital marketplace in Muntinlupa City recently.

Connected Women, a global community of women entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals, has partnered with Facebook and the Department of Information and Communications and Technology (DICT) for the #SheMeansBusiness workshop held at the Acacia Hotel in Muntinlupa City.

Beth Ann Lim, Head of Community Affairs, APAC, Facebook, said the workshop equips women with the skills and tools they need to expand their business in the digital sphere.

“Since 2017, #SheMeansBusiness has helped over 2,000 women entrepreneurs in the Philippines build and grow their businesses. This year, we look forward to supporting more women entrepreneurs, by providing them with critical skills and tools to help them thrive in the digital marketplace,” Lim said.

One of the participants, Trixie de Guzman, shared that #SheMeansBusiness program’s pilot run in 2017 helped her gain confidence to leave her corporate job. This move gave birth to her bag and accessory company called Genuinely Everywhere.

Despite struggling at first, she said the program taught de Guzman how to market her products online and reach more customers more efficiently.

De Guzman has since expanded her work, and she now serves corporate orders while employing other full-time crafters.

Gina Romero, CEO and co-founder of Connected Women, said online platforms such as Facebook had helped entrepreneurs relate with their customers.

“At Connected Women, we aim to educate women entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs on digital tools so they can scale their businesses and reach a global market, even while staying close to home. We hope women entrepreneurs who attend our events can take the lessons from the workshop to bring their business ideas to life,” said Romero.

Lawyer Ivin Ronald D.M. Alzona, DICT Assistant Secretary for Management and Operations, also lauded the program for helping empower women entrepreneurs.

“We at the DICT are happy to work with Connected Women and Facebook to help us reach and teach women about ICT related livelihood opportunities and how to access them,” Alzona said.

The #SheMeansBusiness program has been launched in 21 markets around the world, including the Philippines.

The workshop in Muntinlupa City served as the first of the five free #SheMeansBusiness workshops across the country this year. The next one twill held in Baguio City on July 26. /ee