SOCCSKSARGEN – The Department of Trade and Industry 12 opened another batch of Negosyo Centers (NC)s in the Region. Most recent was the Negosyo Center in Tboli launched last 8th of March which was opened in time for the town’s Seslong Festival. The Negosyo Center Banga was opened only last March 3.
First launched last 13th of January this year was the Negosyo Center in Maasim, Sarangani Province followed by Negosyo Centers in South Cotabato. NC Norala was opened in the 20th of February.
The Four NCs are categorized as Model C NCs which give basic services namely: Business Registration Services Business Advisory Services; Business Information and Advocacy; and Monitoring and Evaluation.
Partnering during the launching are the respective local government units where the Negosyo Center was located and the Department of Trade and Industry Field Office (DTI-FO) which will oversee its operations.
The Negosyo Center Maasim is located at the LGU-Maasim Tourism Office while the NC Norala can be found inside the Municipal Hall of Norala. Lastly, Negosyo Center Banga is located at the Municipal Hall Compound of Banga right beside the Municipal Tourism Office.
Soon to be launched is the Negosyo Center Tboli which is located near the Municipal Agriculture Office of Tboli.
Negosyo Center Business Counselors will be manning the launched Negosyo Centers.
Services of the Negosyo Center
Business Registration Services mandate the Negosyo Center to: a) Accept and facilitate all new registration and renewal application of MSMEs, including application for Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise (BMBE); b) Coordinate with the respective local government units (LGUs) and liaise with concerned government agencies to process the duly accomplished forms submitted by the MSMEs; and c) Implement a unified business registration process preferably through automated systems such as the Philippine Business Registry (PBR).
Business Advisory Services means, the NC has to: 1) Assist MSMEs in meeting regulatory requirements to start and maintain the business; 2) Build local support networks and establish market linkages for MSME development through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council and DTI; 3) Facilitate access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, shared service facilities and equipment, and other support for MSMEs through national government agencies (NGAs); 4) Ensure management guidance, assistance and improvement of the working conditions of MSMEs; 5) Co-organize with the local chambers of commerce, other business organizations and government agencies, a mentoring program for prospective and current entrepreneurs and investors; 6) Conduct other programs or projects for entrepreneurial development in the country aligned with the MSMEs development plan.