The GREAT Women Project 2, short for “Gender Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation of Women,” is officially named the Supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) in the Philippines Project. Spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and supported by Global Affairs Canada, this initiative was designed to support women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. The project worked in partnership with various government agencies and private sector players, primarily to offer business and livelihood assistance, training, and financial support.
While the project officially concluded in May 2022, the lessons, tools, and networks it built continue to support women entrepreneurs across the Philippines. If you are a woman business owner looking to benefit from its legacy programs, this guide will help you understand how to connect with its partner institutions and explore ongoing assistance related to the project.
What is the GREAT Women Project 2?
The GREAT Women Project 2 was designed to help increase the competitiveness, sustainability, and productivity of women’s enterprises by:
- Providing training and capacity-building opportunities
- Improving access to financing
- Promoting business registration and formalization
- Streamlining local and national business regulations
- Advocating for gender-inclusive policies and practices in enterprise laws
The project supported over 800 women-led MSMEs across nine key regions in the Philippines. Notably, 50% of these businesses saw improvements in assets, sales, and environmental practices during the program’s implementation.
Who Can Apply or Benefit from the Project?
Although the program’s formal run has ended, women can still access the services and networks it developed. Eligible individuals include:
- Women owners of micro or small businesses
- Family-based MSMEs
- Women entrepreneurs from the informal sector
- Residents of regions previously covered by the project
Qualifications
To qualify, interested applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements such as:
- Must be a Filipino citizen or a duly registered enterprise in the Philippines.
- Business must be at least 50% owned, controlled, and actively managed by a woman or women.
- Enterprise must be legally registered with appropriate government agencies (e.g., DTI, SEC, CDA).
- Business must be operational for at least one year at the time of application.
- Must be engaged in manufacturing, processing, or value-adding activities (especially in food, crafts, or wellness sectors).
- Should demonstrate potential for scaling up and sustainability.
- Must be willing to participate in capacity-building activities and monitoring initiatives under the project.
- Priority is given to enterprises supporting indigenous peoples, marginalized sectors, or located in rural or conflict-affected areas.
Steps to Apply or Access Ongoing Support
To apply, simply follow these steps:
Step 1. Check with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
The DTI was a key implementing agency of the project. Visit the official DTI website and regional offices to inquire about available programs or business development support for women MSMEs. Their site often contains updated instructions on active business assistance schemes.
Step 2. Contact the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)
Even after the project ended, the PCW continues to promote gender-responsive business development. Visit their website or social media pages for news, support tools, training schedules, and access to partnerships created during the project.
Step 3. Evaluate Your Business Needs
Identify specific challenges your business is facing. The legacy of the GREAT Women Project 2 offers ongoing support in areas such as:
- Product development
- Branding and marketing
- Financial literacy
- Access to capital or investors
- Environmental and sustainable practices
Step 4. Participate in Training and Seminars
Attend workshops, online seminars, or face-to-face business development training hosted by local government units, PCW, or DTI. These events often integrate lessons and methodologies from the GREAT Women Project 2.
Step 5. Network with Women Entrepreneurs
One of the strengths of the project was its community. Joining a local business group or women entrepreneur organization may give you access to support networks built during the project. These include mentoring, group funding schemes, and market linkage opportunities.
Step 6. Explore Financial Assistance Programs
While direct financial grants from the project are no longer available, government agencies like DTI and PCW can connect you with:
- Microfinance institutions
- Livelihood assistance programs
- National government credit and loan schemes for MSMEs
The Importance of Business Registration
A key objective of the GREAT Women Project 2 was to help women entrepreneurs formalize their businesses. If you haven’t registered your enterprise yet, doing so can open doors to more government assistance. Here’s how:
- Local registration: Secure a Mayor’s Permit or municipal license through your LGU.
- National registration: Register with the Department of Trade and Industry for sole proprietors.
Streamlining these procedures was a goal of the project, particularly to simplify the registration process, reduce costs, and make government services more accessible.
Policy Contributions and Legacy
The project contributed significantly to improving policies that support women-led MSMEs, such as:
- Recommending amendments to national enterprise laws for better gender equity
- Promoting gender inclusion in the National MSME Development Plan
- Supporting the passage of the Magna Carta of Workers in the Informal Economy
- Encouraging ratification of international labor standards that benefit women
Challenges Addressed by the Project
The GREAT Women Project 2 tackled several structural and regulatory barriers that hindered women’s participation in the economy:
- Long and complex business registration procedures
- Limited access to financial assistance
- Gender-biased provisions in enterprise and civil laws
- Inadequate monitoring of women’s access to microfinance and support programs
Impact and Achievements
- Assisted 831 women entrepreneurs
- 50% reported increased sales and assets
- Nine entrepreneurs were recognized as models for market expansion and applying learnings
- Reached 95.85% of target participants
How to Stay Updated
Even after its formal completion, the GREAT Women Project 2’s influence continues. To stay informed for potential future rounds of similar programs, make sure to do the following:
- Follow PCW and DTI on social media
- Join business webinars and forums for women
- Subscribe to newsletters from women’s business associations or cooperatives
Video: What is GREAT Women-2
The GREAT Women Project 2 has significantly improved access to training, financing, and formal support for women-led businesses in the Philippines. While the program ended in 2022, its legacy remains accessible through the government and private sector channels it helped establish. If you are interested, you may check out this video below:
If you’re a woman entrepreneur looking to start or grow your MSME, explore opportunities linked to this project by reaching out to the DTI, PCW, or your local government. With ongoing training, financial assistance, and support networks, you can tap into the continuing impact of the GREAT Women Project 2.