DTI launches upgraded Negosyo Center portal for MSMEs

MAKATI CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry officially launched the Negosyo Center Online Portal 2.0 on Sept. 28, giving Filipino entrepreneurs digital access to essential business services wherever they are.

Developed by DTI’s Negosyo Center Program Management Office, the upgraded platform centralizes core services, including business registration assistance, advisory support, updated educational modules and one-on-one virtual pro bono coaching from certified mentors.

By digitizing Negosyo Center operations, the portal also incorporates client profiling, content management and data analytics tools that allow DTI to track entrepreneurial trends, assess user needs and extend government resources to remote and underserved communities nationwide.

“Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy. When we empower a local enterprise, we do not just build a business—we uplift families, transform communities and drive national growth,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

“Through this portal, we are bringing DTI’s services directly to your fingertips, ensuring every local business receives fast, clear and actionable guidance to compete and succeed.”

Negosyo Centers were established under Republic Act No. 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act, to promote ease of doing business and improve access to services for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Roque said the portal also serves as a bridge connecting local producers with expanding international markets as Philippine merchandise exports continued their growth streak.

Merchandise exports expanded for 19 consecutive months through July, bringing the January-to-July 2026 total to a record USD 54.92 billion.

Exports during the first seven months increased 12.9 percent from USD 48.67 billion in the same period in 2025, while July shipments rose 10.8 percent year on year to USD 8.15 billion.

To sustain the momentum, DTI is linking MSMEs to broader trade networks, including 23 free trade agreements that are either in force or under active negotiation.

The Philippines and European Union reached substantial agreement on their proposed free trade agreement on Sept. 22, putting the negotiations on a path toward final conclusion.

ASEAN also concluded negotiations on its Digital Economy Framework Agreement in 2026, which is intended to deepen regional digital integration and facilitate cross-border digital trade.

To complement wider market access, DTI said it provides direct support through fully venue-covered trade fairs, allowing participating enterprises to retain all their sales.

The initiative generated more than PHP 1.09 billion for over 3,500 local businesses in 2025, according to DTI.

Through its financing arm, Small Business Corp., DTI is also offering targeted collateral-free financing facilities for different sectors and stages of enterprise development.

These include the PHP 2 billion Women’s Enterprise Fund, PHP 2 billion OFW Negosyo Fund, PHP 3 billion Exporter Fund, PHP 2 billion MSME Business Fund and PHP 2 billion E-Transport Loan Program.

The Youth Enterprise Fund also provides eligible young entrepreneurs with loans of up to PHP 500,000, with applications available through SBCorp’s mobile platform.

“All big businesses started small,” Secretary Roque urged entrepreneurs. “Please use this portal. Ask questions, seek guidance and tell us what support you need so we can tailor our services to help you build stronger businesses and a better future for every Filipino family.”

Business owners and other interested parties may access the portal at negosyocenter.dti.gov.ph.