Ateneo GSB-Ayala Malls Business Weekend Fair

The Ateneo GSB-Ayala Malls Business Weekend Fair marked the inaugural partnership between Ayala Malls, one of the Philippines' premier retail chains, and the Ateneo Graduate School of Business (AGSB), a leading management education institution in Asia-Pacific. This transformative collaboration embodied a shared vision to advancing education, supporting local entrepreneurship, and fostering community engagement.

Guided by the principle of “learning by doing,” the event empowered AGSB alumni and graduate students to bring their entrepreneurial passions to life by engaging with the public within Ayala Malls’ spaces. The two-day event, held last October 12 to 13, 2024 at Ayala Malls The 30th, featured three key components: 1) a Business Forum, where industry experts, local government leaders, and Ayala Malls shared valuable insights on entrepreneurship, including initiatives and retail opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); 2) a Learning Caravan offering free trial classes and mentorship sessions led by AGSB Dean and hero graduates; and 3) a vibrant Business Fair showcasing 60 alumni and student-owned businesses, offering them a platform to test their concepts, generate revenue, and expand their networks.

This holistic approach exceeded expectations, setting a benchmark for advocacy-driven initiatives that leave a lasting impact on participants and attendees. The forum and caravan featured 20 expert speakers and attracted 155 participants, while the bazaar welcomed 15,000 mallgoers over two days, increasing average mall foot traffic by 4%. The event also achieved a social media reach of 1.7 million on Facebook and 3.8 million on Instagram through social media partners, amplifying the advocacy’s awareness.

Local government representatives, including the Pasig City Vice Mayor, City Councilor for Trade and Industry, and City Councilor for Culture & the Arts, underscored the event’s significance by tackling MSME programs, and rallying support for budding entrepreneurs. Finally, AGSB and Ayala Malls were lauded by the participants for providing a platform empowering local entrepreneurs, solidifying its role as a community-centric venue.

The Ateneo GSB-Ayala Malls Business Weekend Fair is a testament to the power of collaboration, proving that when business, education, and local government leaders unite with purpose, it can drive change and positively impact lives.