Cebu’s entrepreneurial scene lit up as women-led startups took center stage at WE Meet Cebu, competing for a share of ₱30 million in working capital. Hosted by the Nüshu Network at Darkside Bar in Tops Cebu, the event highlighted both the financial ambitions of female founders and the growing ecosystem supporting them in the Visayas.
This funding pool was made possible by SheSecures, a gender-lens investment product developed by the ARQ SME Business Development Center in partnership with Investing in Women, an Australian Government initiative that supports women’s economic empowerment across Asia.
Cebu’s Rise as a Creative Haven
Beyond the pitch competition, the event also highlighted the growing appeal of Cebu as a destination for entrepreneurs looking to build their ventures outside the capital. For many attendees, the city offers a unique balance of lifestyle and business viability. Aira Tayoni, from Tacloban City who attended the gathering, shared her perspective on why the city is becoming a magnet for founders looking to restart or scale. “I found Cebu to be a little bit less congested than Manila. I feel like Cebu is a creative hub for startups. It has more opportunities, more exposure, and better networking opportunities.”
Showcasing Local Innovation
Between pitches, attendees mingled and shopped at booths showcasing the best of Cebu’s lifestyle, beauty, and wellness brands. Standouts included Shepard Life Goods (botanical everyday essentials), Objects and More (culture-inspired handmade gifts), Commonly & Co. (Korean-made skincare), and Floral Studio (stunning preserved florals).
Together, these brands demonstrated the diversity and creativity thriving within Cebu’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Building Ecosystems for Women
WE Meet is part of the broader work of The Nüshu Network, a community connecting women entrepreneurs across South and Southeast Asia. Through the network, members gain access to peer community support, self-paced finance and leadership learning, investor connections, investment readiness support, and pathways into the broader gender-lens investing ecosystem.
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