Manila: The Iloilo City government will establish a start-up center for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in partnership with the private sector and national government agencies to help entrepreneurs develop and grow their businesses. The initiative, which stemmed from the 1st Iloilo City MSME Summit last month, will provide a permanent hub for innovation, collaboration, and mentoring. The center will be located at Festive Walk Mall in the Mandurriao district.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Raisa Tre±as stated that the facility will support aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly graduates of school-based entrepreneurship programs, by providing a co-working space, meeting venue, and access to business development support. "In the coming months, we will finalize our start-up center in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)," Tre±as said in a video message.

PCCI Western Visayas Gov. Fulbert Woo welcomed the initiative, noting it strengthens collaboration among government, industry, and academe. "The center can serve as a stepping stone for innovators and start-ups by giving them space to develop their ideas and connect with industry partners," Woo said in a phone interview. He pointed out that the facility could help entrepreneurs develop solutions to business challenges, such as digital systems, programming, and other innovations, while also providing an alternative support venue for those unable to access technology business incubators operated by state universities and colleges.

Woo added that the chamber welcomes the city's involvement in expanding support for MSMEs alongside existing government programs.