SME Expo Manila: Over 20,000 attend PHILSME 2025 for business solutions
By MB Business
The 16th Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME 2025) successfully concluded at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, showcasing the vital role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippine economy and offering them pathways for expansion through networking, innovation, and accessible business tools.
Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, PHILSME chief executive officer and managing director, said the two-day event, which ended last May 10, featured over 20,000 pre-registered attendees and more than 180 local and international brands.
The PHILSME 2025 highlighted the major contribution of MSMEs, which constitute 99.5 percent of business establishments, generate 63 percent of employment, and contribute about 40 percent to the country’s economy.
Esguerra-Abrenilla said, “We created PHILSME to guide SMEs toward practical, real-world business solutions—and this year, we witnessed powerful exchanges and partnerships take shape right on our expo floor.”
She added, “Helping Filipino entrepreneurs scale their businesses isn’t just our mission—it’s our promise, and we’re only getting started.”
The expo featured live demonstrations and the PHILSME Business Conference, where thought leaders such as Jayson Lo and Cristalle Belo-Pitt shared insights on various business aspects.
Corporate and international entities like GCash for Business and the Special Malaysian Pavilion by MATRADE also participated, offering solutions and fostering cross-border collaborations.
A highlight was the PHILSME Business Network’s awarding of certificates to new and active members. Backed by various sponsors, the event aimed to provide significant value to both participants and exhibitors. Looking forward, PHILSME announced its next event for entrepreneurs and start-ups in October 2025 at the SM Megatrade Hall.