Helping MSMEs achieve sustainability

GO NEGOSYO PILIPINAS

- ANGAT LAHAT! JOEY CONCEPCION

Last week, I was part of a small group of businessmen invited to meet with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. With us were representatives of international finance institutions. The objective of the gathering was to mobilize support and financing to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals. It was a short meeting but a very productive one.

I was seated near Mme. Mohammed and had the privilege to be the first to tell her about our advocacy at Go Negosyo. I explained how we have, for 19 years now, provided the platforms that give MSMEs the access to money, markets, and mentorship necessary for them to succeed. Go Negosyo is a bridge for big-brother companies to help MSMEs. We try and put the spotlight on why Filipinos—especially the OFWs, women, youth, and farmers—should be encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship. Women, especially, would be such a powerful force once they are given the support they need to put up businesses.

Joining us was Anna Marie Lagon, the CEO and founder of Bayo, a Filipino-owned MSME and one of the winners of the 2023 Go Negosyo Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneur Awards. Bayo is one of a handful of Philippine MSMEs which have embraced sustainability. It has committed to it through various practices, such as designing its products with minimum waste, using sustainable materials, carbon offsetting, repurposing waste materials, as well as working with women from local communities. To my knowledge, Bayo was one of the first MSMEs in their industry to integrate sustainability into their business.

During the meeting, she became quite emotional as she related her story. I later asked why. Was it because of business?