The Quezon City government announced on Wednesday, Jan. 17, that it will launch a business plan competition for students to develop their innovative business ideas this year.
The StartupQC Student Competition is part of the local government's StartupQC Program that aims to forward innovation and entrepreneurship, and empower the local startup community in Quezon City.
According to the city government, the competition will provide capacity-building activities such as lectures, mentoring, and network-building sessions for the students which are expected to assist and guide the student participants in preparing innovative proposals that address important societal and community-based challenges.
It said that the Local Economic and Investments Promotion Office (LEIPO) collaborated with key national government agencies, colleges and universities, and members of the startup community to kickstart the competition scheduled in April 2024.
“Our schools are a great source of future business leaders, innovators, and creative thinkers. Through this competition, we can develop the potential and skills of our students and help them create the next inspiring business success story,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
The competition is open to individuals and groups with at least one member, at least 18 years old, Quezon City resident and currently enrolled in any college or university in the country.
The city government said that aside from the unique learning experience the competition offers, the winners and participants can win up to P100,000 and other consolation prizes.
The local government said it continues to connect with universities and colleges within and outside the city to promote the StartupQC and invite participants who will undergo preliminary evaluation for admission to the competition.
Interested participants may register online for the StartUp QC through the QC e-services website (qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph).
The deadline for the application for the competition is on Feb. 16, 2024 and residents may check the StartUp QC Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok accounts for more information about the program.