By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is seeking an additional PHP5 billion for the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp) in the proposed 2027 national budget as part of efforts to expand government financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the proposed funding boost would strengthen SBCorp’s lending operations and enable more entrepreneurs to access affordable capital to start, sustain, or grow their businesses.
Speaking during the opening of the National Exporters’ Fair at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, Roque said the government had previously increased SBCorp’s capitalization to PHP12.9 billion and is now working to secure another PHP5 billion for next year.
The proposal comes as demand for government-backed business loans continues to rise. As of June 2026, SBCorp reported receiving 94,532 loan applications and disbursing approximately PHP32.45 billion in financial assistance to Filipino entrepreneurs.
Alongside the proposed budget increase, the DTI formally launched the Youth Enterprise Fund, a financing facility with an initial PHP1-billion allocation aimed at encouraging young Filipinos to venture into business.
The program is open to entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30, offering loans ranging from PHP30,000 to PHP500,000 with repayment terms of up to three years and a grace period of as long as one year.
Applications will begin on July 27 through the SBCorp website and the SBCorp Money mobile application.
Roque said aspiring entrepreneurs may also seek assistance through the DTI’s 18 regional offices, where they can receive guidance on financing options as well as business development and mentoring programs.
Calling on young Filipinos to pursue their business ambitions, the trade chief stressed that every successful enterprise begins with a single idea and the courage to take the first step. She acknowledged that the early stages of entrepreneurship can be difficult but said the lessons gained from those challenges help build stronger and more resilient business owners.
Roque added that expanding access to capital forms part of the Marcos administration’s broader push to create more economic opportunities and empower more Filipinos to participate in the country’s growing economy.
ia/xf
