Women entrepreneurs shine at U.S.-backed AWE trade fair

1 of 2

More than 30 women-led businesses will take center stage at the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Trade Fair, set to run from August 1 to 3 at the Activity Center of Gateway Mall 1 in Cubao, Quezon City, showcasing innovative products and success stories of AWE graduates from across the Philippines.

The event is a key feature of the AWE Philippines Summit 2025, which opened on July 29 at the U.S. Embassy in Manila with a gathering of 100 alumnae from seven implementation sites: Bacolod, Baguio, Manila, Puerto Princesa, Quezon City, Bohol, and Zamboanga del Sur.

“Since it was launched in the Philippines in 2020, AWE has supported hundreds of women in building and scaling their businesses,” said U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.

“These entrepreneurs were able to transform their lives, create jobs, strengthen their communities, and contribute to the Philippines’ economic resilience,” she added.

The AWE program, developed by the U.S. Department of State and implemented locally through SPARK! Philippines, equips women with essential business skills, including digital marketing, leadership, market research, financial planning, and product innovation.

One standout participant is Corrs Valenton, a graduate of the AWE Quezon City cohort, who turned her signature cheese pimiento recipe into Corrsy’s Kitchen, a thriving food-in-jars business that is about to open its fourth physical store.

Valenton credited AWE’s training in marketing, innovation, and network-building as instrumental in her journey from home-based seller to food entrepreneur.

“The fair is more than just a marketplace,” said Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK! Philippines.

“It is a celebration of women’s resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. It allows our AWE graduates to reach new audiences, build networks, and open doors to future opportunities.”

The trade fair features a range of products from AWE alumnae—from artisanal goods to gourmet local delicacies—demonstrating the program’s success in transforming ideas into sustainable enterprises.

The initiative is supported by the Quezon City government, led by Mayor Joy Belmonte, and the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, which has partnered with the program to create inclusive platforms for women entrepreneurs.

During the summit’s opening ceremony, key partners including Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Grace Baluyan, speaking on behalf of Secretary Cristina Roque, highlighted the summit’s value for aspiring and established businesswomen.

“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,” said Baluyan.

Since its Philippine launch in October 2020, the AWE program has trained more than 500 women, with continued support from the U.S. Embassy’s American Spaces network.

With a focus on empowering inclusive economic growth, the AWE Trade Fair and Summit provide a platform for women to scale their ventures, enhance visibility, and connect with broader markets.