Non-profit organization Go Negosyo believes that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should put their hardwork, knowledge, and resources into entrepreneurship as this will not only benefit their families, but will also contribute to the nation’s progress.
Joey Concepcion (Photo from Go Negosyo)
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 hardwork and resources are put to productive and profitable use,” he said in a statement.
One of the activities during the said event will be the awarding and recognition of OFWs-turned-entrepreneurs 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 entrepreneurial aspirations among current OFWs.
Last year, 13 OFW-turned-entrepreneurs and their families were given the Inspiring Balik-Bayan Award in special categories—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 of the awardees were agripreneurs, restaurant owners, health and beauty entrepreneurs, and creatives.
The awards will be handed out during the Balik-Bayan 2024, a Go Negosyo event that features discussions with industry leaders and inspirational and learning sessions featuring successful entrepreneurs.
There are also free on-site mentorships with Go Negosyo mentors, from whom OFWs and their families can learn about managing their current and planned businesses.
Additionally, 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 in 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 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.
Interested OFWs-turned-entrepreneurs can check the other requirements on https://bit.ly/BALIK-BAYANAwards2024. Registration is also available on the website.
From the website, they can also download the application form, which must be completed and sent via email to [email protected] with the email subject: Full Name - Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards 2024.