Pinay Mompreneurs lead 66% of PH Businesses, But Scaling Up Isn't Easy

It's amazing to see that Pinay mompreneurs are behind 66% of our local businesses, but the road to expansion isn't easy. To truly scale, these women must overcome significant hurdles, from securing capital and mastering digital tools to balancing their essential roles at home and in the office.

Although women dominate the business landscape, their growth is often restricted, signaling an urgent need for better-aligned support networks to foster sustainable scaling.

At the recent 4th Gawad Madiskarte, leaders from government and development organizations emphasized a clear call: resilience alone is not enough. Filipina entrepreneurs need stronger institutional support to scale.

Mayor Joy Belmonte of the Quezon City Government 

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted the role of local governments in helping entrepreneurs transition from informal ventures into scalable enterprises. Programs like “Pangkabuhayang QC” provide capital assistance and mentorship to support business formalization and growth.

“Our goal is to guide entrepreneurs as they grow into formal enterprises that can create more opportunities,” Belmonte said, adding that support systems such as accessible childcare services are equally critical in enabling mothers to focus on innovation and expansion.

UN Women Philippines Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina

Echoing this call, UN Women Philippines Country Programme Coordinator, Rosalyn Mesina described investing in women entrepreneurs as a “smart macroeconomic strategy,” noting that many remain underserved despite their significant presence in the MSME sector.

“Women entrepreneurs must not only be supported, they must be seen, recognized, and protected within the system,” Mesina said, calling for gender-responsive policies and stronger leadership commitment.

Meanwhile, Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla highlighted digital inclusion as a critical driver of growth. Programs such as Elevate AIDA are already equipping women with skills in artificial intelligence and data annotation, opening up new income opportunities, particularly for those working from home.

Marking its fifth year, PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)—now one of the largest mompreneur communities in the Philippines with over 228,000 members—is strengthening its role as a key enabler of growth, supporting women from startup to scale through training, mentorship, and community. 

Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer

“At its core, entrepreneurship goes beyond hitting sales targets. It is about building a strong support system that empowers entrepreneurs to sustain growth, overcome challenges, and scale with confidence, so they can better serve Filipino communities and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer of PLDT.

Through training, mentorship, and peer support, MMPH helps women launch and grow their businesses. The platform also spotlights success stories through its annual Gawad Madiskarte awards, recognizing outstanding mompreneurs across different stages of business.

From home kitchens to online marketplaces, Filipina mompreneurs continue to turn small spaces into thriving enterprises— uplifting families and communities along the way.

But unlocking the full potential of women-led MSMEs will require more than resilience. It will take coordinated action across government, the private sector, and communities to ensure these businesses not only survive, but scale.

As MMPH enters its fifth year, the message is clear: investing in the Filipina entrepreneur is not just a social good. It is an economic imperative.