DTI boosts PHP 2-billion fund for women entrepreneurs

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has set aside PHP 2 billion from the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp) fund for the Women’s Enterprise Fund (WEF) in 2026 to strengthen access to credit for women entrepreneurs and promote a more inclusive economy.

The allocation is intended to balance continued support for women-led enterprises that are ready to grow, hire workers, and expand their economic impact, while also helping more Filipinas enter entrepreneurship and increase household income.

The DTI said the fund recognizes the contribution of women-owned businesses to national growth and aims to improve family financial security by providing capital for enterprise creation and expansion.

“We continue to support women entrepreneurs seeking local and global expansion, while also opening opportunities for those ready to expand, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. We understand that capital is a challenge to many, and the DTI through SBCorp have tailored programs to meet the needs of our MSMEs like this Women’s Enterprise Fund,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

The Women’s Enterprise Fund is designed for women-owned and women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (WMSMEs) and offers loan amounts ranging from PHP 30,000 to PHP 20 million.

Eligible borrowers may avail of a one-year grace period with no payment of capital and interest, flexible repayment terms of up to five years, and waived collateral requirements for loans of up to PHP 5 million.

DTI said that the SBCorp has simplified the application process to improve accessibility, allowing applicants to apply digitally through the SBCorp Money App available on Google Play and Huawei AppGallery, or via the web platform at app.sbcorp.ph.

To ensure broader reach, aspiring entrepreneurs may also seek assistance at any of the 1,431 Negosyo Centers nationwide, which provide guidance on business opportunities and support applicants in accessing DTI programs.

For additional information, interested parties may contact the DTI hotline at 1-384.