The Iloilo City government is preparing to establish a dedicated start-up hub for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in partnership with private companies and national government agencies.
The planned facility is intended to help local entrepreneurs develop their businesses, turn ideas into viable ventures and expand their operations through access to mentoring, partnerships and other forms of business support.
The project emerged from discussions during the 1st Iloilo City MSME Summit held last month. It is envisioned as a permanent venue for innovation, collaboration and mentorship and will be located at Festive Walk Mall in the Mandurriao district.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said Friday that the center will particularly benefit aspiring entrepreneurs, including graduates of school-based entrepreneurship programs. The facility is expected to provide co-working areas, meeting rooms and access to business development services.
“In the coming months, we will finalize our start-up center in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT),” Treñas said in a video message.
PCCI Western Visayas Governor Fulbert Woo welcomed the initiative, saying it could further strengthen collaboration between government, businesses and academic institutions.
“The center can serve as a stepping stone for innovators and start-ups by giving them space to develop their ideas and connect with industry partners,” Woo said in a phone interview.
Woo said the proposed hub could provide entrepreneurs with assistance in developing solutions to various business challenges, including digital platforms, programming and other technology-driven innovations.
He added that the facility could also serve as an alternative source of support for entrepreneurs who are unable to access technology business incubators operated by state universities and colleges.
The PCCI official said the chamber also welcomed the city’s effort to expand its assistance to MSMEs while complementing programs already being offered by national government agencies.