ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City Government officially opened its 1st MSME Summit on July 29, 2026, transforming a vision of support into a three‑day festival of opportunity for the city’s smallest entrepreneurs. The event, anchored at the core of the local economy, drew hundreds of business owners eager to access new financing, training, and market connections.
A City That Bets on Its Entrepreneurs
Mayor Raisa Treñas set the tone for the summit by acknowledging her own roots in business. She told the crowd that she understands the struggles of entrepreneurs because she was one herself. The message resonated deeply in a room filled with sari‑sari store owners, food cart vendors, and home‑based producers who form the backbone of Iloilo’s commercial life.
The summit is organized by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office, led by Velma Jane Lao. It brings together government agencies, private sector partners, and academic institutions under one roof. The theme, “Bridging MSMEs to Knowledge, Finance, and Markets,” captures the practical, hands‑on nature of the event.
Interest‑Free Loans Without Collateral
One of the most significant announcements at the summit was the city’s plan to roll out an interest‑free, no‑collateral loan program for micro and small enterprises. Initially designed to support public market vendors during rehabilitation, the program is now being expanded to cover businesses across all districts. This removes one of the biggest hurdles entrepreneurs face: access to capital without risking their assets.
Mayor Treñas stressed that the goal is to provide accessible financial support that helps businesses grow without drowning them in debt. The loans are expected to fuel inventory purchases, equipment upgrades, and shop improvements. For many attendees, the announcement was the highlight of the opening day.
Nano Enterprise Ordinance Bears Fruit
The recently enacted Nano Enterprise Ordinance, authored by Councilor Miguel Treñas, is already showing results. The ordinance offers micro‑businesses with capitalization under ₱250,000 steep discounts on regulatory fees and business taxes. In the first year, they receive a 75 percent discount, which tapers gradually over three years.
Over 580 applicants have already signed up under the program, legitimizing their operations and gaining access to formal markets. The summit provided a venue for these nano entrepreneurs to network with suppliers, financiers, and government agencies. The ordinance is a deliberate strategy to bring informal businesses into the mainstream economy.
Uswag Negosyo Academy Graduates 25 Batches
The Uswag Negosyo Academy, a flagship training program of the city, has now produced more than 25 batches of graduates. The academy covers five core modules: merchandising, financial management, digital payment integration, and marketing. Graduates who complete all five courses receive an additional ₱5,000 in seed capital from the BDO Foundation.
This partnership with the private sector amplifies the city’s reach. The summit showcased graduates who have successfully scaled their businesses and are now employing others. The academy has become a model for how local governments can equip entrepreneurs with both knowledge and capital.
A Summit That Connects Every Dot
Day one of the summit featured sessions on business compliance, digital payments, and fraud prevention. Upcoming sessions will cover credit access, micro‑insurance, and digital market expansion. A service caravan allows participants to process government registrations and permits on‑site.
The event has drawn strong support from national agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter, and mobile payment platforms like GCash. The collaborative approach ensures that MSMEs leave not just with inspiration but with actionable tools and contacts. For Iloilo City, the summit is more than a gathering; it is a statement that when small businesses succeed, the entire city prospers.
