Go Negosyo holds entrepreneurship event for OFWs

An event specifically organized to encourage Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to pursue entrepreneurship will be held this December 2, 2023 at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Organized by Go Negosyo, Balik-Bayan 2023 will feature informative discussions with industry leaders, inspirational and learning sessions featuring successful entrepreneurs, and free onsite mentorship sessions, where OFWs and their families will be introduced to opportunities to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

“Balik-Bayan 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. Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte will give the Keynote Address and lead the awarding ceremonies for inspiring OFW entrepreneurs.

Balik-Bayan 2023 will feature plenary sessions designed as learning opportunities for OFWs who want to establish or grow their businesses. CEOs of renowned Filipino brands will speak on how they were able to grow their businesses, while successful Filipino professionals in the fields of culinary arts, photography and fashion design will also be on stage to share their experiences in the global arena.

Former OFWs turned entrepreneurs, meanwhile, will participate 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.

A special session will feature popular content creators who will share tips on how small entrepreneurs can leverage the power of social media in order to promote their businesses. The audience can also look forward to performances by social media favorite Kween Yasmin and drag superstar Precious Paula Nicole during the breaks.

A highlight of the Balik-Bayan Summit is the Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards, where ten outstanding OFWs-turned-entrepreneurs will be given recognition 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.

“I would like to think that “Balik-Bayan” extends beyond the usual Tagalog term that is used to refer 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. (30)