Filipinos between the ages of 18 and 30 will be able to borrow as much as P500,000 in startup capital without putting up any collateral, under a new financing window the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is rolling out through its lending arm, the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp).
The facility, called the Youth Enterprise Fund, lets qualified applicants take out loans anywhere from P30,000 to P500,000. Repayment can be stretched across three years, and borrowers may request a grace period of up to one year during which no principal or interest falls due — a cushion meant to give a fledgling business time to find its footing.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque laid out the terms on Wednesday, framing the money as a bet on the country’s youth. “Young entrepreneurs, this is our investment in the ideas, energy and future of Filipino youth. Through the DTI Small Business Corporation, young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 years old may apply for the loan ranging from 30,000 to 500,000 pesos with no collateral required. And again, one year no payment of principal and interest para makausad sila,” she said.
Applications open Monday, July 27, 2026, and will be processed through SB Corp’s mobile platform. “Starting July 27, 2026, this is on Monday, applications to be made accessible through the SB Corp mobile application,” Roque said.
The secretary urged first-time business owners not to be held back by an imperfect start. “Huwag kayong matakot magsimula because a lot of the big businesses that started when they were young. Every successful business began with one idea, one customer, one person who had the urged to tried. Your first product may not be perfect. Your first month’s pay may be difficult, but every challenge will teach you how to become a better entrepreneur,” she said.
To keep applicants from going it alone, Roque pointed to the agency’s support network already in place across the country: 18 regional offices and 1,600 Negosyo Centers set up to guide and assist those entering business. Those wanting further details can go to the SB Corp website at sbcorp.gov.ph or download the SBCorp Money app through Google Play or AppGallery.
