In partnership with Rappler, PLDT SME Nation is gearing up to find the country’s most promising entrepreneurs currently running a micro, small, or medium enterprise (MSME).
The #BeTheBoss Awards, now on its second year, aims to recognize the next generation of business leaders and game-changers who are ready to shake the world with innovative and fresh ideas that have the potential to be the next global tech company.
PLDT Executive Vice President, ePLDT CEO and President Eric Alberto emphasized the importance of highlighting the up and coming entrepreneurs that the country has to offer. “Entrepreneurs contribute greatly to the country’s economic growth more than any other employee, and the #BeTheBoss Awards is our way of participating in the expanding entrepreneurial face of the nation,” Alberto said.
“Today, with the right tools and the proper mindset, business owners have the opportunity to make it big not only locally, but also on the global scale,” he continued. “With the leveraging power of technology, the world can be the entrepreneur’s oyster.”
Alongside Eric Alberto, joining the roster of renowned businessmen and women who will be leading the search for young entrepreneurs are PLDT VP and Head of SME Nation Mitch Locsin, CEO and Creative Director of VMV Hypoallergenics Laura Verallo de Bertotto, CEO and Executive Director of Rappler Maria Ressa, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, President and CEO of Global Beer Zero, Inc. Luigi Nuñez, and President of Media 5 Vincent “Chot” Reyes.
Together with the panel of industry leaders, the public will vote for four winners that best represent one of four categories: Boss for E-commerce, Boss for Social Media, Boss for Social Responsibility and Boss for Innovative Solutions.
The winners will have the chance to go on a once in a lifetime trip to Silicon Valley, California where they will meet like-minded entrepreneurs and employees who have made it big.
“We remain aggressive in our mission to empower local business owners in the hopes of opening horizons on the possibilities of expanding their business with technology,” said PLDT VP and Head of SME Nation Mitch Locsin. “By bringing the #BeTheBoss winners to the hub of startups and tech giants, we want them to use the lessons they take home to further develop their business and drive our country forward.”
The #BeTheBoss Awards Night will be held live on September 2. The competition is open to Philippine-based entrepreneurs 45 years old and younger, who are currently running a business that has been operating for at least 2 years.
Public voting begins on August 1. Stay tuned!