Quezon City launches the "Start Up QC" program

In October 28, 2022, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte together with Vice-Mayor Gian Sotto, City Councilors, and key executive officials of the QC City Government launched the “Start Up QC” program in response to Republic Act 11337 better known as the Innovative Startup Act.

To officially institutionalize this program, the QC legislative body enacted a City Ordinance No. SP 3019, S-2021 entitled: “An Ordinance Institutionalizing the Startup Program and Appropriating Funds Therefore” with the aim of fostering inclusive economic development growth through innovative projects conceptualized and implemented by encouraging the establishment of startup businesses based in the city.

The Ateneo John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM) Dean Dr Roberto Galang and the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office's (AIPO) Engr Benjamin Mirasol represented the university in the signing ceremonies of an agreement with the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Councilors and key officials of Quezon City (QC).

The financial grant program will be looking for projects that create new jobs, improve livelihood and processes and advance innovation and trade by promoting an entrepreneurial spirit and a startup culture among its constituents. The maximum grant amount is up to P1,000,000 to selected startup beneficiaries.

Image source: QC Government Facebook page (2022)

QC now possesses the enviable stature of being the highest annual revenue-earning city municipality in the Philippines and intends to use those earnings by being the startup catalyst and leader that supports startup ventures who can actively contribute to nation-building through the enterprises that they establish. To maximize the success rate of these startups, Mayor Belmonte intends to provide all the essential components needed by startups to succeed including grants, training, a pool of coaches & mentors, certain free permits & city services, and networking for market access, material, equipment & service sourcing.

Ateneo is partnering with QC for this program by providing AIPO’s qualified startups under its incubation program as applicants to this grants program plus training and mentoring services for startups that will be prequalified by QC as eligible to enter into its second screening phase for its grant approval program. The university has also been requested to provide panel members to review projects by startup applicants under consideration.

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To apply and learn more about Start Up QC, you may visit the Quezon City Government Services website: www.qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph or their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/QCGov

Group photo courtesy of Ms Andrea Bautista, University Marketing & Communications Office (UMCO).