Growth Con PH, an exclusive event for The Business Manual’s subscribers, is an interactive growth-focused seminar that recognizes the rising stars in the local business landscape.

With over 1 million business enterprises operating in the Philippines—99.58% of which are Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), while only 0.42% are large enterprises—it is evident that the playing field is very competitive. And although anyone can start a business, maintaining and growing it is another thing altogether.

This is why The Business Manual launched Growth Con PH—a subscriber-exclusive seminar and networking event that aims to bring together the country’s business owners, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in an afternoon of learning and building connections.

“Growth Con PH is an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts to gather, share insights, and discover new growth opportunities,” The Business Manual’s Editor-in-Chief RJ Ledesma expresses. “We aim to spotlight the accomplishments of our Rising Stars, inspiring business organizations and individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.”

“As the country’s premier online subscription-based business website, we strive to provide a comprehensive platform for business enthusiasts, offering a wealth of knowledge about the world of business, from inspiring success stories to expert insights,” adds Ledesma.

Growth Con PH 2023: Growing Your Business

Hosted on June 29, 2023, the first-ever Growth Con PH was set at Ascott BGC with over 200 attendees present. The afternoon started off with a series of curated panel discussions—moderated by none other than The Business Manual’s Editor-in-Chief, RJ Ledesma.

With the 2023 theme set on “Growing Your Business,” the curated roster of speakers all shared the pain points that they built their business around, along with the opportunities and secrets to success that helped grow their business into what it is today. These seminar topics include:

Sustainability and Operations Growth: Growth Through a Sustainable Supply Chain

Sustainability is essential in the growth of any business, as it ensures the brand’s longevity. Given that this can be a challenge for many businesses in the Philippines, as 20% of small businesses fail in the first year, it is important for businesses to learn how to sustain their business operations.

And this includes having a sustainable supply chain.

Speakers for this panel discussion include Jefferson Tan of Expedock, Bubbles Lim of Easy Franchise, ER Rollan of GrowSari, Ron Baetiong of Podcast Network Asia, and John Michael Hilton of Visum Ventures.

Read More: Growth Con PH: 5 Key Speakers Who Talked About Sustaining the Quality of Business Operations

Sales and Productivity Growth: Growth Through the ABCs of Digitization

With technology on the rise, buzzwords like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and cryptocurrency have made their rounds. Given its growing interest, this panel focuses on how to increase sales and company productivity with the incorporation of digitization.

Speakers for this panel discussion include tech and digital experts, like Brian Poe Llamanzares, Ph.D. of Arifract, Jon Carlo Lim of DragonFi, May Leuterio of Rent.PH, Dennis Velasco of Prosperna.com, Dean Bernales of Uniquecorn Strategies, and Bam Meji of SariSuki.

Read More: Growth Con PH: 6 Entrepreneurs Share Strategies for Better Sales Productivity

Brand Loyalty and Marketing Growth: Growth Through an Effective Marketing Strategy

Brand recall is key for any business, and this means having an effective marketing plan. Taking inspiration from known brands in the industry, The Business Manual has curated a roster of experts who have successfully distinguished themselves from others in their industries through a clear marketing and branding plan.

Attendees include Aaron Espina of ImmuniGlobal Incorporation, Alejandro Manalac of Havitas, Rachel Renucci-Tan of Renucci Rice, Jonah Sison-Ramos of Dear Face PH, Jean Yuzon of Suds Sustainable Pods, and Pia Ugarte-Garcia-Morera of Viajecito.

Read More: Dear Face CEO Jonah Sison-Ramon Joins This Year’s Growth Con PH to Inspire Business Adaptability

Product Growth: Growth Through Perfecting the Niche of Your Product

Having a good product is the lifeblood of every business, as its quality plays a big part in the company’s success. After all, the brand’s reputation in customer markets is on the line and guarantees a loyal customer base when done right. In turn, this ensures lower production costs, higher investment returns, and increases in revenue.

Given this, the discussion will focus on how businesses can search for, claim, and perfect the niche of their product. Speakers for this include business owners from well-known brands in the Philippines: Nina Ellaine Dizon of Colourette Cosmetics, Jaime Gonzalez Fernandez of Pick-Up Coffee, Carlo Oplen of Unbox Group, Vincent del Rosario of Vivamax, and Ed Joson of Tonik Bank.

Read More: Growth Con PH: 5 Speakers Shared Their Expertise on Brand Loyalty and Marketing Growth

Key partners for this year’s Growth Con PH include the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc., GoNegosyo, International Council for Small Business, Philippine Marketing Association, Philippine LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, Benilde Hifi, Social Media Marketing PH, and Women’s Business Council Philippines. Their support reflects the shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic progress.

Growth Con PH 2023 is co-presented by Ascott Bonifacio Global City in partnership with Juju Glow, Dear Face, and Babe Formula.