Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP)

Harnessing Our Own Resources for the Advancement of the Youth
What is the Youth Entrepreneurship Program?

Republic Act No. 10679 otherwise known as the Youth Entrepreneurship Act mandates the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Council (MSMEDC) through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to implement a national program to promote youth entrepreneurship development. Youth Entrepreneurship Program or YEP is a focused program to address the young demographics of the country to become productive individuals through entrepreneurship. It will help young Filipinos develop their entrepreneurial skills by offering them a comprehensive package of interventions.

Who are the qualified beneficiaries of YEP?

YEP targets to help aspiring and existing youth Filipino entrepreneurs aged 18-30 years.

Who are the eligible YEP cooperators or partners?

Following the definition of “Eligible Entity” specified in Section 4 of the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, eligible cooperators for YEP shall refer to:

  • A private or non-profit organization with experience and a proven track record in entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship programs
  • A local or national government agency dedicated to uplift the lives of Filipino youth
  • A learning organization with experience and a proven track record in entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship programs
What are the YEP Components?
  • Youth Start: This component focuses on mindset change and models of business of the DTI 7Ms strategy. It aims to stir the entrepreneurial interest and encourage the youth to start their business ventures.
  • Youth Net: This component focuses on developing mastery of business concepts and strategies as well as providing mentoring support to youth entrepreneurs. It aims to connect youth with the right networks that will support them to overcome startup challenges and exchange innovative ideas.
  • Youth Match: This component highlights money, provision of machines, and market aspects of the 7Ms framework. It aims to give young entrepreneurs wider access to markets and resources which will bolster their business.
What are the assistances I can avail of per YEP component?

Interventions to be given per beneficiary shall be following their current level—existing or aspiring young entrepreneurs.

  • Youth Start: Under this component, entrepreneurial mind-setting seminars or inspirational forums and basic services shall be provided through business registration assistance, business opportunities seminars, and entrepreneurship skills training.
  • Youth Net: Under this component, mentoring sessions, the establishment of youth entrepreneurship organizations, and/ or joining in entrepreneurship associations will be facilitated.
  • Youth Match: Under this component, young entrepreneurs shall be engaged in various market promotion activities, and their access to investment funding and relevant machines/ equipment to increase their productivity will be facilitated.
Who can I contact should I have further inquiries?

For more information, you may visit any of the DTI Regional/ Provincial Offices or Negosyo Centers near you or contact the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of SME Development at (+632) 7791.3310 or via email BSMED@dti.gov.ph.

For more information about YEP, download the e-flyer through this link.