Philippines

With a population of nearly 100 million spread across more than 7,000 islands, the nation is the seventh most populous in Asia and one of the most diverse. While the Philippine economy has grown at an average of 6% since 2012 according to the World Bank, over 20% of the population still lives in poverty. Supporting high-impact entrepreneurship in the region offers a critical opportunity to fuel economic growth at all levels. With an estimated 99% of Philippine enterprises considered small- or medium-sized businesses, many are facing the crucial scale-up stage that determines whether or not they can grow into impactful businesses that create thousands of jobs. Endeavor research found that just 5% of the country’s total number of firms are considered high-growth (with a minimum of 20% average annual growth), but created 75% of the net new jobs in the country.

The landscape of entrepreneurship in the country continues to show much promise. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor found that nearly half (48%) of all Filipinos have a very positive view of the entrepreneurial opportunities in their country; furthermore, 68% believe they have the capabilities needed to start a business. At the same time, many recognize the barriers to entrepreneurial development in the country, including a lack of access to financial support, government programming and guidance from role models.

This is where Endeavor’s model can make a difference. By providing access to a world-class network of industry leaders, investors and talent, Endeavor’s support can give the best entrepreneurs in the region the chance to turn their ventures into transformational businesses. Endeavor aims to take the magic of networks like Silicon Valley and bring it to regions with great ideas and potential, but not necessarily the resources to help founders take their visions to the next level. Once selected into the network, Endeavor Entrepreneurs are connected with strategic mentors and given access to an array of tools that can catapult them to success. Since its beginning in 1997, Endeavor has selected and supported 1,030 entrepreneurs representing 651 companies in the 22 markets where it operates. In 2013, from Miami to Morocco, these entrepreneurs have generated $6.8 billion in revenue and created 400,000 jobs across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia.