THE nonprofit organization Go Negosyo organized an event to encourage overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to pursue entrepreneurship in the country.
Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion announced the start of activities for “Balik-Bayan 2024,” which will be held on Dec. 7 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
“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,” Concepcion said in a statement.
Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion. PHOTO: MIKE ALQUINTO
One of the activities during the said event will be the awarding and recognition of OFWs who established their own businesses, whether overseas or in the Philippines.
“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,” Concepcion said.
“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 added.
The 2024 Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards aims to recognize the contributions of OFWs, share their success stories, celebrate the achievements of OFWs-turned-entrepreneurs, and foster the entrepreneurial aspirations of OFWs.
In 2023, 13 entrepreneur OFWs and their families were given the Inspiring Balik-Bayan Award 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.
Some awardees were agripreneurs, restaurant owners, health and beauty entrepreneurs, and creatives.
The awards will be handed out during the Balik-Bayan 2024, which will feature discussions with industry leaders and inspirational and learning sessions featuring successful entrepreneurs.
There will also be free on-site mentorships with Go Negosyo mentors, from whom OFWs and their families can learn about managing their current and planned businesses.
The attendees can learn about content creation and the use of social media to grow their businesses.
Those who need financing help can also access resources via exhibitor booths at the event.
Applicants for the 2024 Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards should be 18 years old and above and either active or former/retired OFWs with proof, such as a passport, work permit, residence card, overseas employment certificate, seaman’s book or job contract, among others.
They must also have documentation of their businesses, such as business registration, business profile, and financial records.
The deadline for submission of entries is on Nov. 20.
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