PHILIPPINES — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has given overseas Filipino workers one final push to become entrepreneurs. The 2026 LIKHA Global Business Plan Competition has moved its deadline to July 31, granting additional time for OFWs to submit their business ideas and potentially secure life‑changing seed capital.
Last Call for OFW Entrepreneurs
The competition, organized by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), aims to equip migrant workers with the tools to build businesses back home. The original deadline of July 15 was extended after Migrant Workers Offices worldwide saw a surge of interest from OFWs still finalizing their proposals. Organizers stressed that this is the absolute final extension.
For many workers, the extra days mean the difference between a rushed concept and a polished business plan. The DMW has been actively promoting the program through its global posts, urging OFWs not to let the opportunity slip away. The message is clear: the government is investing in those who want to come home for good and build a sustainable future.
Who Can Apply
The competition is open to active OFWs with at least five years of overseas employment experience. Applicants must have a documented latest deployment and be active OWWA members. Crucially, the program targets those who do not yet own a business in the Philippines, ensuring that the support reaches genuine first‑time entrepreneurs.
Eligible participants must submit their applications through the official LIKHA portal, detailing their business model canvas. The DMW designed the process to be accessible, even for workers with limited business background. By setting clear but fair requirements, the competition attracts serious candidates ready to transition from employee to employer.
What Winners Receive
Beyond mentorship and business development training, the competition offers substantial financial backing. Top national winners stand to receive up to ₱500,000 in seed capital to launch their enterprises. The funds are intended to cover startup costs, inventory, and initial operations, giving winners a solid foundation.
The program pairs financial support with coaching from industry experts, ensuring that grantees do not navigate the business landscape alone. NRCO and OWWA have built a reintegration ecosystem that includes market linkages and continuing guidance. Past winners have established successful ventures in food, retail, and services, proving that the formula works.
How to Submit Before the Deadline
Interested OFWs must visit the official DMW LIKHA registration portal and complete the online form. The application requires a business model canvas, a copy of the applicant’s passport, employment documents, and OWWA membership verification. All submissions must be finalized by July 31, with no further extensions planned.
The DMW encourages applicants to review their proposals carefully and ensure all supporting documents are legible. Workers posted in Hong Kong, the Middle East, and other regions can access the same portal and receive equal consideration. The agency has mobilized its Migrant Workers Offices to assist with queries and technical difficulties before the final cutoff.
