The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Women’s Business Council Philippines, Inc. (WomenBizPH) have renewed their partnership for another six years, underscoring growing efforts to unlock the economic potential of women-led enterprises as key drivers of inclusive growth.
The renewed agreement expands collaboration on programs aimed at helping women entrepreneurs access financing, digital tools, mentorship, markets, and policy support amid a rapidly evolving business landscape.
The partnership comes as policymakers increasingly recognize the role of women-owned businesses in boosting innovation, job creation, and economic resilience.
Despite their growing contribution to the economy, many women entrepreneurs continue to face barriers in accessing capital, technology, networks, and business development services.
Building on an initial partnership forged in 2021, the new Memorandum of Agreement seeks to address these gaps through coordinated public-private sector initiatives.
Under the arrangement, DTI will continue supporting WomenBizPH’s participation in regional and international platforms such as ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), helping amplify the voice of Filipino women entrepreneurs in policy discussions and business networks.
The department will also work with the organization in gathering industry insights and policy recommendations affecting women-led enterprises.
WomenBizPH, meantime, will expand mentorship programs through DTI’s Negosyo Centers, establish a dedicated Women Mentorship Hotline, and provide digital advisory services covering entrepreneurship, financial literacy, leadership, digitalization, and market access.
The organization will also continue promoting the Women Enterprise Fund and advocate for improved access to financing—an area widely viewed as one of the biggest constraints to business growth among women entrepreneurs.
The renewed partnership reflects a broader shift toward more targeted interventions for women-led enterprises, which are increasingly seen not only as beneficiaries of development programs but as strategic contributors to national economic growth.
By combining government support with private-sector expertise, DTI and WomenBizPH aim to help more Filipino women build, scale, and sustain businesses in an increasingly competitive economy.
