DTI opens youth enterprise loans up to PHP 500,000

MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry, through its financing arm, Small Business Corp., has rolled out the Youth Enterprise Fund to help young Filipino business owners start or expand their enterprises.

The fund offers financial assistance ranging from PHP 30,000 to PHP 500,000 to Filipino entrepreneurs ages 18 to 30.

Loans are payable monthly over a maximum of three years.

Borrowers may choose among grace periods of zero, three, six, nine, or 12 months.

The program seeks to address financing barriers that can prevent young people with viable business ideas from establishing or growing their enterprises.

Wider access to formal financing could help young entrepreneurs generate income, create jobs, and strengthen economic activity in their communities.

“Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., this administration is fully committed to empowering the youth as key partners in nation-building. Our young entrepreneurs are the driving force of Bagong Pilipinas—full of innovation, energy and bold ideas,” DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque said.

“Through the Youth Enterprise Fund, we are removing financial barriers so our youth can turn their vision into thriving businesses that not only succeed, but also generate quality jobs and uplift their local communities. I encourage all aspiring young business owners to avail of this loan, and help us build a stronger, more inclusive Philippine economy,” Roque added.

Small Business Corp. is a government financial institution tasked with expanding access to financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises, including viable businesses that remain underserved by traditional banks.

Applicants must submit a valid government-issued ID, a mayor’s business permit, proof of a bank account, applicable corporate documents, and a business plan detailing how the project will be implemented.

Interested borrowers may apply online beginning Monday, July 27, 2026, by downloading the official Small Business Corp. application.

The application is available through Google Play and Huawei AppGallery.

The public may obtain more information from the Small Business Corp. website or coordinate with the DTI’s 18 regional offices and 1,600 Negosyo Centers nationwide.

The institutional background was checked against official Small Business Corp. materials.