Iloilo City is officially leveling up its support for our smallest business owners.
The Iloilo City Government launched its first-ever Nano Enterprise Incentives Ordinance on February 26, 2026, at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. The ordinance is designed to support small business owners, providing opportunities for local nano-entrepreneurs to grow and prosper in the future.
This event showcases the commitment of the Iloilo City Government in fostering an inclusive city where every Ilonggo entrepreneur, no matter the size of their business, has a seat at the table, as they are the backbone of the economy.
Mayor Raisa S. Treñas emphasized that nano entrepreneurs, including sari-sari stores, karinderyas, parlors, and others with capital below Php250,000, will benefit from graduated discounts on business permits for the next five years to help legitimize their operations.
She explained that the ordinance also provides training programs in merchandising, financial literacy, and business management, with graduates receiving Php5,000 additional capital to further expand their ventures.
“Kay subong nga adlaw ginapakita gid sang syudad nga ang aton mga Nano Entrepreneurs, ginapamatian namon kamo, nakita namon kamo, may programa ang syudad para gid sainyo,” Mayor Treñas said.
The mayor also shared the city’s vision that after five years, nano enterprises will no longer remain “nano” but will evolve into larger, more sustainable businesses. This proves that when local entrepreneurs prosper, the entire community prospers.
Also present during the launching was City Councilor Miguel S. Treñas, who authored the ordinance and actively supports policies that advance small and emerging businesses. Messages of support were also shared by leaders from government and the private sector, including the Department of Trade and Industry Region 6, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Iloilo, Bankers Association of Iloilo, GCash, and Palawan Group of Companies.
In addition, banks and financial institutions set up on-site booths, allowing participants to directly access financial services during the event, further strengthening the support ecosystem for Iloilo’s nano entrepreneurs. (A. Baguing, BAEL, ISAT-U/Iloilo City PIO Intern)
