BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – City Councilor Vladimir Cayabas has proposed an ordinance institutionalizing a support and assistance program for nano-enterprises. This measure aims to provide technical training, financial grants, and registration support to help the city’s smallest businesses sustain operations, expand, and contribute to inclusive local economic growth.
The proposed ordinance recognizes the nano-enterprises’ vital yet often overlooked role in the local economy.
According to Cayabas, unlike micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), nano-enterprises are extremely limited in resources, typically operating with only up to P30,000.00 in capitalization and often run by self-employed individuals such as food cart vendors, sari-sari store owners, street food sellers, repairers, and other small livelihood operators.
Because many of these enterprises belong to the informal economy, Cayabas stated they lack access to loans, subsidies, and government support programs. By providing a formal system of assistance, the proposed ordinance aims to empower these entrepreneurs, protect them from exploitative lending, and help them gradually transition into the formal economy.
Under the proposed measure, support will come in the form of technical assistance, training, capability development, and financial grants. Technical aid may include help with business registration, legal advice, and other interventions tailored to the specific needs of each enterprise.
Capacity building programs will cover training on financial management, marketing and branding strategies, entrepreneurial leadership, and re-skilling to adapt to market changes.
In addition, qualified nano-entrepreneurs will be eligible for a one-time financial grant of up to P30,000.00 intended strictly for business sustainability or expansion, subject to evaluation of feasibility through a business sustainability or market expansion plan.
The ordinance also proposes the establishment of a Nano Enterprises Registration System/Portal to formally enlist all nano-enterprises in the city.
This portal, to be maintained by the Permits and Licensing Division, will serve as a centralized compendium and gateway for access to government programs, subsidies, and grants. Through systematic mapping, the city government will be able to design targeted interventions and track the progress of nano-entrepreneurs, ensuring that assistance is responsive to their evolving needs.
To oversee its implementation, a Screening, Monitoring, and Assessment Team (SMAT) will be created, headed by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer (LEDIPO). The SMAT will evaluate applicants, release grants, monitor beneficiaries, and recommend policy improvements. It will also coordinate with government agencies, business groups, and people’s organizations to strengthen partnerships and linkages that can benefit nano-enterprises.
For its implementation, the ordinance earmarks an annual budget of P6.5 million from the city’s general fund. Aside from grants, these funds will cover consultations, summits, research, and other initiatives aligned with the program’s objectives.
The proposed ordinance has been approved by the city council on first reading and referred to the Committee on Market, Trade, Commerce, and Agriculture for review. (Jordan G. Habbiling)
