The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with SPARK! Philippines, will host the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Trade Fair from August 1 to 3 at Gateway Mall 1 in Cubao, Quezon City. The event will showcase over 30 businesses led by graduates of AWE, a program aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson emphasized the program’s impact since its launch in the country. “Since it was launched in the Philippines in 2020, AWE has supported hundreds of women in building and scaling their businesses. These entrepreneurs were able to transform their lives, create jobs, strengthen their communities, and contribute to the Philippines’ economic resilience,” Carlson said. “Through AWE, we celebrate the contributions of women entrepreneurs to our strong bilateral economic relationship as partners in prosperity.”
The trade fair is part of the AWE Philippines Summit 2025, a three-day gathering that started on July 29 in Manila and brings together around 100 alumnae from seven locations: Bacolod City, Baguio City, Manila, Puerto Princesa City, Quezon City, Bohol, and Zamboanga del Sur. Attendees have opportunities to interact with business leaders and take part in workshops focused on practical skills.
One entrepreneur featured at the fair is Corrs Valenton of Corrsy’s Kitchen. After starting her food-in-jars business online in 2021 with cheese spreads and other products, Valenton credits AWE for helping her expand through training in areas such as sales and marketing.
SPARK! Philippines Executive Director Maica Teves highlighted what sets the fair apart: “The fair is more than just a marketplace. It is a celebration of women’s resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit,” she said. “It allows our AWE graduates to reach new audiences, build networks, and open doors to future opportunities.”
Support for the event comes from both local government under Mayor Joy Belmonte and private partners like the J. Amado Araneta Foundation.
Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Grace Baluyan described the summit as an opportunity for growth: “Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow your existing business, this summit offers a wealth of knowledge from experienced mentors, real-world insights from fellow entrepreneurs, and interactive learning opportunities to sharpen your skills.Truly, it is a gateway to innovation, business growth, and impactful networking,” Baluyan said.
The AWE program was launched by the U.S. Department of State in 2019 as a hybrid learning platform covering topics such as market research and digital marketing for women entrepreneurs worldwide. Since its introduction in October 2020 through American Spaces partnerships across the Philippines, more than 500 Filipino women have participated.