QC simplifies business registration, expands support for nano entrepreneurs
Small livelihood operators in Quezon City are set to benefit from a streamlined business registration system and expanded government support, following the city’s push to bring more nano-entrepreneurs into the formal economy.
Mayor Joy Belmonte said the initiative targets micro-scale business owners such as sari-sari store vendors, carinderia operators, and beneficiaries of city-backed livelihood programs who often face challenges in registering their businesses.
The Nano-Enterprise Registration Programt allows small business owners to formalize their operations more easily and qualify for financial aid, training, and other support services.
“Many small-scale entrepreneurs rely on their businesses to support their families. Through the Nano-Enterprise Registration Program, we are making it easier for them to formalize, grow, and access the support they truly deserve,” Mayor Belmonte said.
The program is anchored on a 2024 city ordinance, later enhanced in 2025, which broadened its coverage and introduced more flexible requirements. It applies to self-employed individuals and sole proprietors with limited capital and income, a sector often excluded from traditional business systems due to cost and compliance barriers.
City officials said the updated policy also provides incentives, including lower registration-related expenses and exemptions from certain fees such as signboard permits. Food-based nano-enterprises are likewise given more lenient compliance rules to encourage participation.
Beyond registration, qualified nano-businesses will be prioritized for access to government assistance programs, including emergency aid during disasters such as fires and flooding.
The initiative is part of the city’s broader effort to promote inclusive growth by recognizing and supporting informal workers who rely on small-scale businesses as their primary source of income.
Applications for the program can be submitted online through the city’s Business One-Stop Shop portal, making the process more accessible for entrepreneurs across Quezon City.
Officials said the move aims to ensure that even the smallest enterprises are not left behind as the city strengthens its local economy.