Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday, Oct. 28, led the launching of the local government’s new program that aims to create business hubs in line with its goal to boost, promote, and develop the city’s startup business ecosystem.
Through the “StartUp QC” program, qualified startup entrepreneurs in the city will be provided with financial grants of up to P1,000,000.
“The goal is to create business hubs that will inspire and empower QCitizens to create innovative business models that can help provide solutions to social issues and concerns. Through this program, we are encouraging entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to be part of the greater mission of improving our society,” Belmonte said.
The program is also aligned with the mayor’s goal to make the city a top business destination, and create more jobs and opportunities for the citizens.
Belmonte said the city government aims to fund and support innovative start-up ventures that are still at their early ages but have promising viable products for execution.
“Through this multi-million peso initiative to catalyze QC innovation, we will enable young startup ventures to thrive in the city, nurture a QC business startup ecosystem and make Quezon City the innovation capital of the Philippines,” she said.
To formally launch the program, the mayor signed a memorandum of understanding together with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Competitiveness Bureau Director Lilian Salonga, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Assistant Secretary for Regional Development Teresa Camba, Ateneo De Manila University John Gokongwei School of Management Dean Dr. Roberto Galang, Technological Institute of the Philippines - Technology Business Incubator manager Engineer Shearyl Arenas, Miriam College Innovation Resource manager Indo Ibanez, University of the Philippines Diliman Chancellor Dr. Fidel Nemenzo, and LaunchGarage Innovation Hub Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jay Fajardo.
“Together, we shall continue to endeavor to sustain the efficient implementation of initiatives, programs, and projects that promote a culture of innovation; embed innovation and entrepreneurial mindset to our stakeholders; and foster the growth of a robust innovation and startup ecosystem,” Salonga said.
According to the city government, qualified startups will undergo training, mentorship, and networking activities that it will facilitate along with its technology business incubator and industry partners.
Belmonte said that even young innovators who are still studying can apply for the program.
The city government said that individuals interested to register for the program can visit https://qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph/.
They can also check the city’s website or the StartUp QC’s Facebook page for more information about the program.