Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III: A Visionary Entrepreneur Transforming Philippine Business

Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III is one of the Philippines’ most influential entrepreneurs and advocates of small business development. While he is widely recognized as the Chairman and President of RFM Corporation, one of the country’s leading food manufacturing companies, his greatest contribution extends far beyond the corporate world. Through his nonprofit organization, Go Negosyo, he has dedicated decades to helping aspiring entrepreneurs, micro-enterprises, and small businesses build sustainable livelihoods.

His unique ability to combine business leadership with social responsibility has earned him recognition both nationally and internationally. Joey Concepcion believes that entrepreneurship is one of the most effective tools for reducing poverty, creating employment, and stimulating economic growth. His work has inspired thousands of Filipinos to pursue business ownership while strengthening the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit

Born into one of the Philippines’ respected business families, Joey Concepcion inherited a strong entrepreneurial foundation. His father, Jose Concepcion Jr., played a significant role in building RFM Corporation into a diversified business enterprise. Growing up in this environment exposed Joey to business management, leadership, and the importance of innovation from an early age.

Interestingly, Joey often shares that his entrepreneurial journey began much earlier than his corporate career. As a teenager, he sold cotton candy in shopping malls, gaining firsthand experience of customer service, product marketing, and the challenges faced by small business owners. This early exposure helped shape his lifelong appreciation for entrepreneurship at every level, from street vendors to multinational corporations.

Leadership at RFM Corporation

Joey Concepcion eventually assumed leadership of RFM Corporation, a company known for producing a wide range of food products consumed by millions of Filipino households. Under his guidance, the company continued expanding its portfolio while maintaining strong standards of quality and innovation.

Managing one of the country’s major food companies required balancing market competition, consumer preferences, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Joey successfully positioned RFM as a respected name in the Philippine food industry while encouraging innovation across its product lines.

His leadership style emphasizes continuous improvement, responsible corporate governance, and investment in people—principles that have contributed to the company’s enduring success.

Founding Go Negosyo

Although successful in corporate business, Joey Concepcion believed that economic growth should benefit ordinary citizens. In 2005, he founded Go Negosyo, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting entrepreneurship as a pathway to financial independence.

The organization’s mission is built around three key pillars:

• Access to mentorship
• Access to capital
• Access to markets

These three components address the most common challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs. Instead of merely encouraging people to start businesses, Go Negosyo provides practical support through experienced mentors, financial guidance, and networking opportunities.

Today, Go Negosyo has become one of the Philippines’ most respected entrepreneurship advocacy organizations, helping thousands of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) grow and succeed.

Championing MSMEs

Micro, small, and medium enterprises account for the overwhelming majority of business establishments in the Philippines and generate substantial employment across the country. Joey Concepcion has consistently argued that strengthening these businesses is essential for inclusive national development.

Through Go Negosyo, he has supported initiatives such as:

• Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME)
• Kapatid Agri Mentor Me Program
• 3M on Wheels entrepreneurship roadshows
• Digital entrepreneurship training
• Business mentorship forums

These initiatives connect experienced entrepreneurs with small business owners, enabling knowledge sharing, business coaching, and practical solutions to everyday challenges.

Joey frequently emphasizes that helping micro businesses evolve into small enterprises, and eventually into medium-sized companies, can significantly improve national productivity and employment.

Public Service and National Development

Beyond business, Joey Concepcion has actively collaborated with the Philippine government on entrepreneurship and economic development initiatives.

He has served in advisory roles focused on improving opportunities for entrepreneurs, encouraging private sector participation, and strengthening policies that benefit MSMEs. His work bridges the gap between government agencies and private enterprises, ensuring that entrepreneurship remains central to economic planning.

His practical business experience has made him a respected voice in discussions involving investment, job creation, innovation, and economic recovery.

Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for businesses worldwide, particularly small enterprises.

During this difficult period, Joey Concepcion mobilized Go Negosyo to provide assistance to struggling entrepreneurs. The organization expanded mentorship efforts, promoted digital transformation, and helped business owners adapt to rapidly changing market conditions.

He also helped launch Project ARK, a private sector initiative that supported large-scale COVID-19 testing efforts. The project demonstrated how businesses and nonprofit organizations could collaborate with government institutions to address public health emergencies.

His leadership during the pandemic highlighted his belief that businesses have responsibilities beyond generating profits—they can also contribute meaningfully to society during times of crisis.

Recognition and Awards

Joey Concepcion’s contributions to entrepreneurship have earned numerous honors.

One of his most prestigious recognitions came in 2018 when the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. The award recognized his efforts in strengthening trade, industry, and economic cooperation.

He has also been repeatedly recognized by Tatler Asia among the region’s most influential leaders, acknowledging both his corporate achievements and his impact on entrepreneurship development.

These honors reflect decades of commitment to empowering businesses and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Business Philosophy

Joey Concepcion strongly believes that entrepreneurship creates opportunities where traditional employment may be limited.

His philosophy centers on several core ideas:

• Every entrepreneur deserves access to guidance.
• Small businesses can become engines of national growth.
• Collaboration between government and private industry benefits society.
• Innovation must be accessible to businesses of all sizes.
• Economic development should create opportunities for everyone.

Rather than focusing solely on large corporations, Joey advocates for building a strong entrepreneurial culture that enables individuals to improve their own lives through business ownership.

Lasting Legacy

Today, Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III is regarded as one of the Philippines’ leading champions of entrepreneurship. His influence extends across corporate leadership, nonprofit advocacy, public policy, and economic development.

While his success at RFM Corporation demonstrates his capabilities as a business executive, his enduring legacy is likely to be his efforts in nurturing thousands of entrepreneurs through Go Negosyo.

His vision continues to inspire governments, business leaders, educators, and aspiring entrepreneurs to view entrepreneurship not merely as a commercial activity but as a powerful instrument for national progress. By investing in people, sharing knowledge, and promoting inclusive growth, Joey Concepcion has helped shape a more dynamic and resilient Philippine business landscape.

His story illustrates that true leadership is measured not only by corporate success but also by the positive impact one creates for society. Through decades of service, mentorship, and innovation, Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III has become a symbol of responsible entrepreneurship and a driving force behind the continued growth of Philippine enterprise.