ITD Supports Women‑LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs Aiming for ASEAN Market
We need to produce a short summary 1-2 sentences, 120-220 characters, max 240. Output only the summary text, plain English. Let's craft: "ITD’s SHE Commerce Bootcamp 2026 trained 10 selected women and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs from 300 applicant
The Institute for International Trade and Development (ITD) launched the SHE Commerce Bootcamp 2026: Beyond SHE – Empowering Every Entrepreneur for ASEAN, held from September 26‑30, 2026 at the Mandarin Hotel Bangkok. The initiative aims to raise the capacity of women entrepreneurs and LGBTQ+ business owners so they can develop their ventures and enhance competitiveness amid shifting economics, trade, and digital technology. Emphasis is placed on applying learned knowledge in real‑world settings and preparing for expansion into the ASEAN region.
This year marks the third edition of the bootcamp; previously focused solely on women entrepreneurs with support from the UN’s ESCAP program, it now also includes LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Out of 300 applicants, 40 met the criteria and ten were selected to join the training. The selected businesses include brand YaiSiRi, Lao brand, limited partnership Baan Rai Ruang Tawan, brand Nam Pla Ra Slosh, Designforpukitlife Co., Ltd., NarA Agrofoods Co., Ltd., brand KidiCuB, brand Phirrom, brand Sukki Porsiri, and brand Flat Marble.
The bootcamp is carried out in cooperation with Chulalongkorn University’s Academic Service Centre, featuring hands‑on learning activities that let participants develop business skills, exchange experiences, and generate new ideas aligned with today’s competitive landscape. Over five days, attendees learned and practiced using key business tools such as artificial intelligence for operations, digital marketing, content creation for target audiences, and live commerce as a sales channel. A Business Hackathon encouraged creative problem‑solving, while a Live Commerce Popular Vote let entrepreneurs practice product presentation and consumer engagement. Expert consultants and mentors provided feedback to help refine concepts and business plans.
Highlighting the program, participants pitched their business plans to a panel, demonstrating their competitiveness and feasibility for implementation.
