The 17th Philippine SME Business Expo and Conference (PHILSME) Entrepreneur and Franchise Edition, held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, welcomed 10,000 visitors for two days of learning, inspiration, and meaningful connection for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, who led the event, said:
“Entrepreneurs came looking for ideas that fit them. SMEs came looking for solutions
they could act on. The intention and energy across the 17th edition were truly inspiring.”
During the Opening Day program, DTI Assistant Secretary Grace Baluyan highlighted the
community impact of MSMEs: “Through these jobs and livelihoods, MSMEs support
families, communities, and local economies.” Visitors attended sessions led by numerous business mentors and industry experts such as Francis Kong, Dean Pax Lapid, Jonathan Yabut, Myrna ‘Mommy Negosyo’ Natividad, Reymond ‘Boss RDR’ Delos Reyes, Kimberly ‘Kimilu’ Lu, and Kween Yasmin. Corporate speakers enriched the program further, including Norman Cloyd B. Sebastian, Vice President, Sales Distribution Department – Marketing Division, Toyota Motor Philippines, who emphasized the role of mobility and innovation in entrepreneurial success, and Joseph Jerome Francia, First Vice President and Head of Operations, GMA International, who led an uplifting GMA
Pinoy TV panel exploring how Filipinos working abroad can take the journey from OFW to
entrepreneur in their own right.
The expo also fostered community through the PHILSME Business Network New Members
Awarding Ceremony and an intimate Networking Night attended exclusively by PHILSME
Network members, exhibitors, and sponsors.
Exhibitors consistently noted that this edition stood out for the quality of visitor engagement,
with attendees spending time exploring options, assessing alignment with their goals, and
discussing actionable next steps.
Supported by 19 sponsors, led by Toyota Motor Philippines as Diamond Sponsor, and
Platinum Sponsors GCash for Business, Taho Story, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council,
Benchmark, and Canva, the expo concluded with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
The overwhelmingly positive response to this 17th edition has inspired exhibitors to
book their spots early for the 18th PHILSME, happening on May 22–23, 2026 at the SMX
Convention Center, Pasay City. Entrepreneurs who want to join the community and grow
their business may apply as exhibitors through philsme.com/exhibit. For sponsorships,
partnerships, and more details, visit philsme.com.