As one of the flagship programs of the QC-SBCDPO, Pangkabuhayang QC (PBQC) program provides livelihood training and capital assistance to QCitizens towards starting a business. The program aims to foster entrepreneurship at the grassroots level in line with City Mayor Joy Belmonte’s 14-Point Agenda of empowering citizens of every gender and social class and creating new jobs across more businesses. Started in 2021 as an economic recovery program during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pangkabuhayang QC program was institutionalized in 2021 through City Ordinance SP-3071, S-2021. In 2023, the ordinance was amended to include completers of entrepreneurship and livelihood training as one of the categories eligible to apply for capital assistance.

The Pangkabuhayang QC program targets various sectors of the community, including micro entrepreneurs, unemployed solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWD), returning overseas Filipino workers (OFW) or members of OFW households, and completers of livelihood / entrepreneurship training programs. Upon payout, beneficiaries undergo entrepreneurship training and networking sessions with various government and private partners, such as the DTI, Go Negosyo, Enstack Technologies, EC Pay, GCash, Cebuana Lhuillier, Rebisco Food Corporation, San Miguel Food Corporation, PLDT, Meralco, as well as banking partners including UnionBank, BPI and RCBC. Our partners provide them e-commerce solutions, insurance services, digital payment system/ e-wallet and other services.

Over the past four phases of the program (2021-2024), a total of 63,433 beneficiaries have been approved. In total, the Pangkabuhayang QC (PBQC) program has provided ₱660,235,000 in financial assistance, reaffirming its commitment to supporting individuals in sustaining their livelihoods.

A Community Savings Group (CSG) is a collective and self-help savings and credit association where a group of people contribute money toward a common fund. This system serves as an alternative to formal financial institutions which require a lot of documentary requirements, and illegal lenders like predatory ‘five-six’ money lenders or loan sharks. Through the CSG, members, especially those who are living in vulnerable communities/ barangays of the city, are provided with opportunities to rise above their current situation as they gain access to low interest credit and interest-bearing savings facility. The CSG also allows groups and members to become responsible borrowers and good managers of their finances. 

As of 2024, there are more than 100 CSG Chapters in various barangays in Quezon City. On average, these chapters are able to generate almost P60,000,000 total savings and release more than P70,000,000 loans per year. The QC-SBCDPO continuously provides support in capacity development and entrepreneurship training to the members of QC CSGs.  

What started as part of the economic recovery programs of the City during the pandemic, QC Essentials now involves developing and accelerating the growth of MSE’s by providing technical livelihood assistance to identified vulnerable sectors of Quezon City. Since its inception, the program expanded into our very own QC Brand – from everyday household essential products to boosting our local food processing industry. From 2021 to 2024, the Quezon City Government distributed a total of 15,000 starter kits to various organizations/associations and vulnerable sectors of the community, namely – PWDs, solo parents, women, and LGBT+ groups. Trainings on food and non-food technologies were facilitated by QC-SBCDPO to capacitate beneficiaries in the production of the technology provided to them. 

The QC-SBCDPO was able to conduct 179 training and product demos/ sessions from 2021 up to 2024. A total of 20,838 QCitizens were trained in making food and non-food products. Among the training offered were the production of dimsum products, multi-purpose detergent powder, alcologne, automobile shampoo, and meat processing. 

Nano-Enterprises refer to livelihoods operated by self-employed individuals or those sole proprietorships with an asset size not exceeding PHP 50,000 and whose annual gross sales receipts do not exceed PHP 250,000. In 2024, the QC- Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (SBCDPO) and the QC- Business Permit and Licensing Department (BPLD) launched the City Ordinance No SP-3272, s-2024. 

Micro, Small Enterprises and Cooperatives (MSECs) are the backbone of the Philippine economy. However, many MSECs, particularly those in the Processed Food and Cosmetics Sectors, struggle to navigate the complexities of securing necessary permits and certifications. This can hinder their growth and formalization within the regulated market. Through the QCertified Roadmap Program, the Quezon City Government aims to address this challenge by offering a comprehensive program that leverages partnerships, training, and workshops to empower MSECs in acquiring critical permits.

The QCertified Roadmap Program collaborates with key government agencies like the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) to streamline the permitting process for MSECs. This collaboration aims to expedite processing for permit applications, simplify procedures, and offer application assistance for MSECs to ensure the completion of necessary documentation and successful permit applications. QCertified equips MSECs with the knowledge and skills to comply with regulations and obtain permits. This includes workshops on understanding permit requirements, e.g., FDA License To Operate (LTO)/Certificate of Product Registration (CPR), BIR Registration, City Permits, and Hawkers/Vendors Permit. Guiding MSECs through the application process for each permit and assisting MSECs in gathering and completing necessary documentation. In 2024, 23 training and seminars were conducted, and a total of 14 entrepreneurs completed the program. 

Cooperatives specializing in different products and services abound in Quezon City. In fact, the city is home to the largest number of CDA-registered cooperatives in the National Capital Region. As distinct business entities that operate under the “service above profit” principle, cooperatives play an important role in addressing the needs of their members and extending development to the community where they operate. For this reason, the Cooperative Development Program, through its various activities and initiatives, is being implemented to help sustain the sector and capacitate them further towards their continued growth and development which in return will redound to the benefit of the local economy.

In collaboration with its key strategic partners, the QC-SBCDPO through its continues to implement activities and initiatives which are aimed towards the formation and registration of new cooperatives; provision of technical assistance for the compliance of existing cooperatives with the requirements of regulatory agencies; and capability building opportunities for cooperative managers and members, to wit: (1) Weekly Cooperative Clinic; (2) Cooperative Pre-Registration Seminar (PRS); (3) Compliance Forum for Quezon City Cooperatives; (4) Free Training  for micro and small cooperatives; (5) Cooperatives Job Fair; (6) Cooperative Trade Fair; and (7) Coordination and collaboration with the Quezon City Cooperative Development Council (QCCoopDC); (9) Regular participation in Metro Manila Association of Cooperative Development Officers (MEMACDO) activities to strengthen the cooperative movement in NCR.

1. Weekly Cooperative Clinic

2. Cooperative Pre-Registration Seminar

3. Compliance Forum for Quezon City Cooperatives

4. Free Training for Micro and Small Cooperatives (Hands on Training on Cooperative Assessment Information System, Fundamentals of Cooperative, Governance and Management of Cooperative, Cooperative Mediation and Conciliation, Basic Bookkeeping and Accounting, etc.)

5. Cooperatives Job Fair

6. Cooperative Trade Fair

7. Registration and operationalization of the Quezon City Credit Surety Fund Cooperative

8. Coordination and collaboration with the Quezon City Cooperative Development Council

9. Regular engagement with the Metro Manila Association of Cooperative Development Officers (MEMACDO)

QC-SBCDPO upholds the policy of the local government to recognize the rights of Out-of-School Youth (OSY) to social protection and development. In accordance with this, the Office spearheaded the implementation of the Be Your Own Boss – QC Youth Entrepreneurship Program to develop and enhance the entrepreneurship skills of Quezon City OSYs, providing merit to self-employment and the possibility of long-term success. With the formalization of this endeavor through a partnership agreement signed in 2022, the Office, along with Education Development Center (EDC) and Quezon City University (QCU), successfully implemented the pilot run of the BYOB-QC YEP

From 2023 to 2024, the BYOB-QC YEP conducted 5 batches of training and  produced a total of 230 youth completers. Out of this number, 137 completers applied for capital assistance under the Pangkabuhayang QC Program.

The Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (QC-SBCDPO) and Move to Change Foundation Inc. (M2C) conducted their first implementation in Quezon City regarding the contents of the FamilESE Exclusive curriculum emphasizing the following; Program Session and Duration. The Move to Change Foundation Inc. and its programs are geared towards creating a community of future change-makers, nevertheless aimed at empowering individuals including youth, families, and communities through holistic skills and entrepreneurial development—the FamilESE Program of  Move to Change Foundation Inc. is anchored on the family as an institution in which M2C loosely defines “family” and was designed on nurturing three (3) elements aspect which M2C value most – Family – Education – Social Enterprise thus the name FamilESE. This program aims to work with the youth together with their family members in order to strengthen the following key aspects: family relations, financial literacy, and the development of enterprises for sustainable livelihood. 

In 2024, the QC-SBCDPO and M2C were able to conduct two (2) batches of training, wherein we’re able to give rise to a total of Seventy-Five (75) Completers of Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Training Completers

The POP QC program showcases the artistry and innovation of City-honed products through trade shows, bazaars, and exhibits, providing a local market-access platform for MSECs in Quezon City. This initiative provides these businesses with the opportunity to gain practical experience in business operations, engage directly with customers, refine their sales strategies, and increase brand visibility. 

Many small businesses struggle with high rental fees, limited space, and few sales opportunities. To address this, QC-SBCDPO launched the Proudly Original Products of Quezon City (POP QC) Program, which promotes local products through social media, trade fairs, bazaars, and e-commerce. This initiative helps entrepreneurs expand their market reach and build a strong business community. From 2022 to 2024, the Proudly Products of QC (POP QC) program has supported 403 entrepreneurs, provided 981 market opportunities for MSECs, and facilitated 57 bazaars and fairs, generating a total of ₱64.1 million in sales. This reflects the program’s strong commitment to promoting local businesses, expanding market reach, and driving economic growth in Quezon City.  

Since its launch in 2019, QC Fresh Market has focused on supporting rural and urban farmers by giving them regular opportunities to sell their fresh farm produce and goods directly to consumers. This farm-to-consumer model helps farmers keep all their profits, ensuring they receive fair prices for their products and supporting their livelihoods.

In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), QC Fresh Market has also joined the Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (KADIWA) initiative. KADIWA helps provide affordable, quality goods to customers while giving farmers, fisherfolk and micro-enterprises better access to the market. Together, these partnerships contribute to the growth and development of the local economy. 

In 2023 and 2024, the QC Payday Fresh Market was conducted over 84 days, providing a total of 1,731 market opportunities for urban farming groups and small businesses and generating approximately ₱15.5 million in total sales.

The Kyusi Nights: Community Night Market initiative aims to showcase and discover promising micro and small enterprises, and cooperatives in each barangay or community in Quezon City by providing them with a market access platform. Through Kyusi Nights, interested barangays will be able to conduct and operate their own weekend trade event featuring the various high-quality products made by local community artisans and entrepreneurs.

During the 2024 holiday season, the QC-SBCDPO assisted four (4) different QC barangays in conducting their own successful community night market. The 4 participating barangays (Brgy. Kamuning, Brgy. Pansol, Brgy. Kaunlaran, Brgy. Milagrosa) had 116 participating barangay-based small businesses and ₱5,253,550 total sales.