AFTER hurdling the intensive online learning labs and virtual pitch days, and successfully presenting its business proposals to a distinguished panel of judges, four women-led businesses won a total of P2 million cash grants from the InLife Negosyo Challenge.
Declared the grand winner of the Challenge was Panublix Innovations, Inc., a social enterprise that connects designers to regenerative fabrics and artisan craft for a more sustainable lifestyle. It received a cash grant of P1 million.
Empath Corporation, a women-led business that provides online mental health services, was declared the first runner-up and was awarded P500,000 worth of cash grant.
Two social enterprises, meanwhile, tied for second-runner up. They were HeySuccess Virtual Assistance Services and MAGWAI. Hey Success is an enterprise that provides training, mentoring and coaching for would-be digital professionals and virtual assistants for IP communities in Benguet and Baguio City. MAGWAI, on the other hand, is a sustainable personal care company pioneering marine-friendly personal care products that are both effective and sustainable. They received a cash grant of P250,000 each.
Apart from the cash grants, the top four businesses were awarded a six-month long in-depth and needs-based mentoring and technical assistance, and access to structured peer learning support as part of their prizes.
The InLife Negosyo Challenge was presented by Insular Foundation as part of its social and economic mobility advocacy through enterprise growth and women empowerment. It was held in partnership with the InLife Sheroes Advocacy and Movement (InLife Sheroes), which is committed to empowering women so they can be self-reliant and financially independent; and Villgro Philippines, a women-owned-and-led gender-smart incubator that funds, mentors, and supports impact enterprises. The contest was supported by InBEST Ventures, a local impact investment firm that has preference for women-owned or women-led small and growing businesses.