WE Act 5th Forum-Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum and Local Trade Fair
Phnom Penh, 29 August 2023
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Pact Cambodia’s WE Act project are proud to announce the upcoming 5th Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum and Local Trade Fair, focusing on “Access to Legal Business Information, Finance, and Markets for Women’s Business Growth for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).” This vibrant entrepreneurial forum is scheduled to take place on September 1st and 2nd, 2023, at Factory Phnom Penh.
“At WE Act, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem where young women entrepreneurs can thrive. This forum embodies our commitment to empower women entrepreneurs by enabling them to be better informed about their business rights, accessing essential knowledge and fostering connections that will empower them to reach new heights,” affirmed Mrs. Sabine Joukes, Chief of Party of WE Act Project.
Coordinated by WE Act in collaboration with Government institutions including the Ministry of Women’s Affairs(MOWA), Ministry of Commerce (MOC), Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), General Department of Taxation, One Window Service Office, Techo Startup Center, as well as financial associations such as the Cambodia Microfinance Association and Association of Bank in Cambodia, prominent private companies including Manulife and Wing Bank, and NGOs partners including Advocacy and Policy Institute, FASMEC, and Coalition for Partnership in Democratic Development, and other relevant stakeholders to empower and equip young women entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the modern business landscape.
“Techo Startup Center is excited to take part in and support the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Forum. With our facilitation and thanks to the collaboration of all relevant ministries and institutions, the Royal Government of Cambodia launched a single portal for business registration and e-service portals for obtaining business licenses and permits with a more simplified process and lower fees. Through these government portals, we hope to empower entrepreneurs as well as women entrepreneurs to legally start doing business with confidence and ease.” said Techo Startup Center.
With a strong emphasis on fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial environment, the event anticipates the participation of over 400 delegates, including representatives from government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and women entrepreneurs in the MSME sector. In addition, the event expects up to 1,000 people from the public to attend the local trade fair. The event will be opened by the honorable H.E. Koung Sorita, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, marking a significant moment in championing women’s economic empowerment.
“Manulife Cambodia is proud to contribute to the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Forum where we equip women entrepreneurs with financial insights and strategies. This aligns perfectly with Manulife’s Impact Agenda in driving inclusive economic opportunities to create a more even playing field for all and give everyone a fair shot at success. It’s how we, at Manulife, are building a better business to better the world,” commented Mr. Rotha Chan, CEO and General Manager of Manulife Cambodia.
The forum offers an engaging Plenary Session and Q&A, allowing attendees to interact with experts and explore business registration, followed by interactive Q&A. Participants can benefit from two rounds of comprehensive Business Clinics covering Access to Markets, Access to Finance, Legal Information and Support (including SME Business Registration), and Social Protection. Personal Counselling Sessions provide one-on-one guidance for young women entrepreneurs to delve into specific topics, while the Trade Fair, featuring 200 booths, allows them to showcase, sell, and introduce innovative products to conference attendees and the public.
Han Peng Kwang, CEO of Wing Bank, said, “As a strong advocate and supporter of SMEs and MSMEs in Cambodia, Wing Bank is honored to support the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Forum, a platform that fully aligns with our mission to enable financial inclusion and empower businesses, especially among women entrepreneurs in Cambodia. We believe that through this program, we will be able to share our products, services and ecosystems that we have created to support aspiring entrepreneurs and assisting SMEs and MSMEs to grow.”
The Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Forum is designed to facilitate profound networking opportunities, in-depth discussions, and comprehensive learning experiences around four pivotal topics:
- Access to Market: How to adhere to product standard requirements to enter physical retail chains, Online platforms, and E-Commerce retail chains
- Access to Finance: Discover strategies and insights on accessing essential MSME loans to fuel business growth.
- Access to Legal Support: Gain clarity on the process of business registration and the legal foundations crucial for MSMEs.
- Access to Social protection for Micro entrepreneurs and Street Vendors
We warmly invite women entrepreneurs and stakeholders to join us at the forum. And the public is invited to visit the trade fair on this momentous occasion. The Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Forum promises to be an invaluable opportunity to connect, learn, and catalyze positive change in the business landscape.
For registration details, please visit the WE Act Cambodia Facebook page.
For more inquiries, please contact:
Tri Leng, Communications Manager, Pact Cambodia’s WE Act Project
077667676, ltri@pactworld.org
About WE Act:
Women Entrepreneurs Act “WE Act” is a Pact-led project that supports young women entrepreneurs to strengthen their skills, business linkages, and participation with relevant associations. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Pact in collaboration with diverse local organizations and companies, this five-year project is focusing on urban-based micro, small and medium businesses owned by young women in Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampot, Sihanoukville and Kep.
About USAID:
USAID was founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and serves as the lead agency of the U.S. Government for foreign assistance. Since 1992, USAID has invested approximately $1 billion towards Cambodia’s development.
Event Map and Directional Sign
