To support the growth of micro entrepreneurs in the city, the Quezon City Government has reopened yesterday, July 4, the application process for the Pangkabuhayang QC program that provides a financial grant and livelihood training for aspiring micro entrepreneurs.

Led by the Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotion Office (SBCDPO), the Pangkabuhayang QC program provides ₱10,000-₱20,000 additional capital for displaced/resigned employees, micro entrepreneurs/vendors, laid-off OFWs, unemployed solo parents, persons with disabilities, and indigent residents of Quezon City.

Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted this program in her inaugural speech and considers this one of the flagship social services programs for her second term.

“The capital assistance that we are providing can help our QCitizens start small businesses such as a sari-sari store, small eatery, or even an online retail shop. Its goal is to give them a sustainable source of income through entrepreneurship,” Mayor Belmonte said.

As an improvement to the on-site application during Phase 1 of the program, the Pangkabuhayang QC application will now be integrated in the QC-Eservices Website (www.qceservices.QuezonCity.gov.ph). This will provide applicants with a schedule for interview where their supporting documents will be reviewed.

To complement this new application format, SBCDPO has tapped barangay offices and computer shops to help QCitizens apply for the program. Several computer shop owners in District 2 were recently oriented and trained on how they can guide applicants through the online portal.

“We want this program accessible to all interested QCitizens especially those who are aspiring entrepreneurs. By tapping computer shops in their barangays, even those who are not tech-savvy or do not have access to the internet can apply for the program,” SBCDPO Head Mona Celine Yap said.

Likewise, the 3,700 internet access points located across the city can help QCitizens connect to the website.

During its first phase, the Pangkabuhayang QC program gave capital assistance to more than 25,000 QCitizens with a ₱260 million budget. Through city ordinance SP 3071 that institutionalized the program, over a ₱200 million budget will be allocated yearly for the benefit of around 20,000 beneficiaries.

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