The ASEAN–Japan Centre successfully convened the ImpactLink: ASEAN–Japan Women Social Entrepreneurs Workshop on Digitalization and Investment, a fully funded online workshop to support 33 entrepreneurs across ASEAN and Japan and strengthen their financial and fundraising capability and move closer to accessing catalytic and impact capital. Together with Proficeo, a Malaysia-based investor and ecosystem builder supporting micro entrepreneurs, social enterprises, and high growth startups, the workshop was designed to bridge women entrepreneurs’ financial readiness gap, instill financial and operational discipline, and equip women-led social enterprises with the clarity and confidence to access catalytic capital to scale their impact.
Inclusivity and diversity in the selection process
Between 26 June and 18 July 2025, the programme received 189 applications from entrepreneurs across the ten ASEAN Member States and Japan. Following a rigorous selection process based on social mission, sustainability, scalability, digital readiness and motivation, 33 entrepreneurs were selected, representing a diverse mix of age groups, enterprise maturity levels in sectors such as education, agriculture, environment, retail, tourism, and technology. Thirty (30) of the selected entrepreneurs participated in the online workshop, with 26 successfully completing all programme requirements.
Unraveling the challenges faced by women social entrepreneurs
A pre-workshop assessment identified three key gaps commonly faced by women-led social enterprises:
- Limited fundraising knowledge and networks.
- Low financial literacy and reliance on manual systems.
- Difficulty developing Theory of Change models, impact measurement, and compelling narratives.
These insights shaped the design of the workshop which demonstrated that the real challenge for women-led Social Enterprises is less about gender, rather, more about alignment between the enterprise’s stage of development and the type of capital it is seeking.
Workshop design and format
Delivered virtually over three consecutive Saturdays (23, 30 August and 6 September 2025), the programme was structured around four key pillars: experiential learning, interactive participation, peer networking, and investment focus.
Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and peer exchanges, learned to communicate their financial and social value propositions effectively, and received mentorship from ASEAN and Japanese experts on digitalization, impact measurement, and fundraising strategies.
>> Click here to view the full programme content.
Participant voices
The 26 women entrepreneurs who completed the sessions had a lot to say regarding their experience, insights and learnings from the workshop. This feedback is enlightening in what they reveal about the challenges women face in business, their entrepreneurial mindset, the value of peer support, and the importance of tailored guidance. Through such feedback, the Impactlink program will continue to sharpen its focus to provide more women entrepreneurs with practical tools to scale their ventures and impact.
Rethinking my approach to entrepreneurship:
“My experience during the ImpactLink workshop was transformative. It provided practical tools, mentorship, and a supportive network that helped me rethink my approach to entrepreneurship. It wasn’t always easy, there were moments that stretched me, but that’s exactly what made it worthwhile. I’d tell them: “If you’re ready to grow not just your business but also yourself, this workshop is worth it.”
Understanding what I need to do as a founder:
“It’s the best workshop I have attended so far. I have never been so engaged, so enthusiastic and excited and inspired. It literally shakes me out of my comfort zone which I find nothing wrong being there for the longest time. I am truly grateful for this workshop. It’s easy for me to understand and relatable and of course I didn’t know I can do more if I just don’t be lazy but look for funders by doing what I need to do as a founder.”
Building confidence and clarity:
“I would say that the ImpactLink workshop was an eye-opening experience that provided practical knowledge, valuable mentorship, and meaningful networking opportunities. It was not only about learning strategies but also about building confidence and clarity in how to grow a social enterprise with real impact.
I am lucky to be part of the ImpactLink workshop where all the trainers are guiding and shaping us to be amazing social entrepreneurs. I just say “WOW” at the end of every section. There are lots of hand-on training where I can craft the impact story, financial analysis, pitch deck, etc. This is not only the most intense but also the most valuable training that I have received.”
A platform to help women entrepreneurs
“Impactlink is not just an avenue for us women entrepreneurs to learn about effective knowledge, information, tools and solutions that we can apply in our respective businesses, it is a platform for us to know that there are actual people we can count on to help out using their experiences. The speakers are very authentic and one can really feel that they are rooting for each to win with the respective business journey.”
A transformative experience
“I would say that the ImpactLink workshop was a transformative experience. It not only gave me practical tools like the Theory of Change framework but also inspired me to rethink how to connect business with social impact. The sessions were interactive, the trainers were insightful, and the networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs across Asia were invaluable.”
A platform for women entrepreneurs
“ImpactLink is more than a training—it is a platform for women entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow. Through shared journeys, practical tools, and regional solidarity, participants left with not just frameworks, but with confidence, clarity, and conviction to engage funders as equals.”
