Utilize the Negosyo Center

Last week I talked about the ‘How to be a micro entrepreneur’ and taking advantage of the RA 9178 or the “Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) act of 2002. I also touched on the Republic Act No. 10644 or the “Go Negosyo Act” which I will be focusing on today.

About the Negosyo Center

Launched in August 2015, it is a collaboration among the DTI, LGUs, Local Enterprise councils/Chambers, DILG, DOST, NEDA, BIR, PAG-IBIG, PhilHealth, SSS, and local universities. It’s vision is to provide general business advisory and capability development services to local would-be and existing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

• The law seeks to promote job generation and inclusive growth through the development of MSMEs in the country

• It mandates the establishment of “Negosyo Centers” in all provinces, cities and municipalities to promote ease of doing business and facilitate access to services for MSMEs within its jurisdiction

• Establishment of a Philippine Business Registry Databank under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to serve as database of all business enterprises in the country

• Establishment of a Start-up Fund for MSMEs to provide financing for development and promotion of MSMEs priority sectors of the economy to be sourced from the MSME Development Fund and BMBE Fund; and,

• Re-composition of the MSME Development Council and its additional functions.

Negosyo Center Services

If you are starting your business, any help that you can get is important. Especially the services provided by the Negosyo Centers. The center is a one-stop-shop for services that cater to the entrepreneur’s need in processing requirements necessary to establish a business; and in accessing information essential for their growth.

Business Advisory - Provides MSMEs advisory services tailored according to their needs through one-on-one consultation, focus group discussion and coaching/mentoring. Specifics are shown below:

• Access to market - Promote efficient marketing of local products and services thru marketing matching, trade fairs, and exhibits participation.

• Access to finance - Assist in packaging loans and links MSMEs to appropriate financing institutions.

• Product Development - Provide counseling for the development and improvement of products and packages.

• Investment Promotion - Match local proponents with potential investors.

Business Registration Assistance - Facilitate processing and documentation of paper requirements necessary for the establishment of MSMEs.

• Access to assistance - Someone will assist you in processing registration for Business Name (BN) and Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE).

• Access to government agencies - Coordinate with local government units (LGUs) and liaise with concerned government agencies to process the duly accomplished forms submitted by the MSMEs.

Business Information Advocacy - Conduct trainings, seminars and dialogues to increase MSMEs’ productivity and efficiency.

• Access to Learning - Conduct regular trainings, seminars, and dialogues related to entrepreneurial management, marketing, productivity, and the like government programs; and,

• Access to relevant information - Provide economic, technical, market and investments related information through publications.

Where to find these Negosyo Centers?

In Cebu City, you can go to University of the Philippines - Cebu Negosyo Center. Outside the city, there’s one in San Remegio, inside the Municipal Hall, another in Sante Fe public market, the one in Dalaguete is also in its Public Market, while in Carcar and Bogo are in their City Halls and lastly the Negosyo Center in Daanbantayan can be found on its 2nd floor Daanbantayan Bus Terminal.

To read more related SME Laws and Incentives, visit www.dti.gov.ph

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Vernon Joseph Go, RFP®, REB, is a Public Speaker, Content Producer and  Author of the book “A Lazy Investor’s Way”.