Get Funded: Guide to Small Business Grants in the Philippines

Every big business starts small. And with the right grant, your small business in the Philippines could be next. Getting funding isn’t always smooth sailing, but when you finally secure the right budget to kickstart your business, it can be a game-changer for your growth!

If you’re a small business owner in the Philippines, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about small business grants: what they are, where to find them, and how to boost your chances of getting one.

Eventually, when those opportunities start turning into partnerships abroad, you can use Wise Business. It lets you receive foreign currency payments straight into your account like a local, with transparent fees and no forced conversions. This means you can keep more of what you earn!

Understanding small business grants

Small business grants in the Philippines aim to help businesses push through the rough initial stages of starting up to achieve a stable financial position. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back, so they won’t pressure your cash flow (if you get them)!

The table below shows a quick comparison of grants vs. loans:

Grants may be harder to secure, but the payoff is worth it. Remember, they’ll help you step onto the ladder, but climbing it is still up to you!

The Philippines has become one of the most attractive places for budding companies.

In the 2022 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that the Manila startup ecosystem’s value jumped from USD 584 million to USD 2.1 billion in just a year. This sharp growth came from the government’s expanding startup programs under the Innovative Startup Act¹.

This reflects the dedication of the Philippine government to boosting its economy and supporting entrepreneurs who need support. It carefully selects businesses that focus on innovation, expansion, or R&D and those that empower women-led or minority-owned businesses. The funds can be used for marketing, recovery, product development, or tech upgrades, all of which are crucial for business growth.

📌 Quick note: Government small business grants in the Philippines can only provide limited financial support, so it’s worth exploring other ways to raise capital.

Key benefits of a small business grant

Landing a small business grant can change your corporate momentum. Beyond the financial help, it can open doors, build credibility, and give your business the confidence to take bold next steps.

Listed below are the perks that make these grants so valuable for entrepreneurs.

• Recognition and credibility: Winning a grant validates your business with the funding body. It’s a mark of trust that can boost your reputation and open new doors for partnerships or investors.
• Increased visibility: A successful grant can raise your brand’s profile. This can attract interest from the prospects and expand your reach within your industry or community.
• Access to mentorship and expert advice: Many grant programs bring more than just funds to the table. Many can connect recipients with business mentors and professionals who guide you through your next growth phase.
• Financial freedom: Grants provide funding support without repayment obligations. You can invest in your business goals without worrying about monthly payments or interest rates.

Scoring a small business grant in the Philippines is indeed a big deal. For example, Nanotronics Inc. received funding and support from the DOST’s BIST program and the Shell LiveWIRE competition, which helped the company scale its operations and gain global recognition².

Government support schemes and grants

The pandemic hit many industries hard, particularly retail, hospitality, and travel, but the Philippine government stepped in with several relief programs to help businesses stay afloat. Some key support schemes are:

Wage subsidy/employee support

The government launched the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program during the pandemic. Under SBWS, small businesses could receive a subsidy (₱5,000 to ₱8,000) per eligible employee for a limited time to maintain payroll and keep workers employed³.

Deferments and relief for the self-employed

Although there isn’t a direct, permanent “income support scheme” for self-employed individuals on par with worker subsidies, many tax and social security obligations have been loosened or deferred during crisis periods. Also, the Social Security System (SSS) offers unemployment benefits for covered workers who are involuntarily separated from employment⁴.

Concessional/interest-free government loans for MSMEs

Small Business Corporation (SBCorp) runs programs like Bayanihan CARES to help businesses restart operations. These provide interest-free, collateral-free loans ranging from ₱10,000 up to ₱5 million, with more lenient requirements during challenging times⁵.

Other relief measures (deferred taxes, stimulus)

• The government has allowed tax and social security deferrals to ease cash flow burdens⁶.
• In times of crisis, stimulus funds and emergency appropriations have been tapped for MSME support and social assistance₇.

These programs show how the government supports small businesses during tough times. They help entrepreneurs recover, stay strong, and grow through wage subsidies, easy loans, and tax relief.

• Obtain account details to receive payments in USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, HKD and more for a one-time fee of 1,400 PHP.
• Simply share your account details with customers or add them to invoices.
• Zero fees when you get paid via ACH, FAST, InstaPay/PESONet, & other local transfers.
• Full fee transparency when clients pay you via Wire / SWIFT.
• Hold, send, and convert money at the mid-market rate in one account.
• Accept payments from customers and payment service providers (PSPs) like Stripe and Amazon.

➡️Get started with Wise Business today

Find additional funding options

Private and corporate grants

Don’t limit yourself to government support. Many private companies, nonprofits, local governments, and innovation hubs also offer grants. For example:

• The DICT-DOST-DTI Startup Grant Fund (SGF) offers equity-free money (PHP 500,000 to PHP 1,000,000) to ICT-based startups. Beyond cash, they provide mentoring and networking and help people get “investment-ready.”⁸
• The PCHRD Startup Research Grant Program helps startups in the health sector do R&D, strengthen intellectual property, scale up, or refine products⁹.
• The Quezon City Incubation Program offers equity-free grants of up to PHP 1,000,000 to startups that meet the pre-set innovation, sustainability, and social relevance criteria¹⁰.

Seek investment from angel investors

If your business doesn’t qualify for grants or needs more flexibility, angel investors can be a great alternative. They offer funding, mentorship, business advice, and access to valuable networks.

Active groups like the Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN.PH), AngelCentral PH, and the Angel Investment Network Philippines connect startups with investors interested in early-stage, high-growth ventures.

The grant application process

Steps to a strong application

• Apply only for grants that truly match your business type and goals.
• Carefully read all terms and conditions before applying.
• Mark deadlines and plan your application around key sections.
• Use the same tone and language the grantor uses to show alignment.
• Treat the grant as a partnership. Be ready to report progress and follow spending rules.

Common reasons applications are rejected

Many applications fail due to vague or unrealistic business plans, unclear spending intentions, or not meeting basic eligibility criteria such as location, revenue, or team size. Others miss out because they lack a strong value proposition or fail to align their mission with the grant provider’s objectives.

For example, a startup applying for a green innovation grant might be rejected if it only talks about business growth. The proposal needs to show how the product helps the environment, which is the primary goal of the grant.

Contact the grant provider before applying if you’re unsure about your eligibility or how to align your proposal.

Conclusion

You’re part of a growing community of Filipino entrepreneurs who dream big and build smart. Many started just like you, unsure where to find funding or how to get their business off the ground.

The trick here is to take things step by step. Explore the funding options that truly fit your business, carefully prepare your application, and manage every peso wisely once the funds come in. Remember, growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through persistence, planning, and smart financial moves!

Funding is just the first step in this journey. Managing it smartly makes all the difference. A Wise Business Account will stand you in good stead, especially when you have to deal with customers and suppliers from overseas. Compared to most legacy corporate banks in the Philippines which only offer a few major currencies, Wise Business offers over 10+ local account details for your business to send, receive, and hold funds. With a multicurrency business account, you won't need to always convert money and lose profits to expensive conversion fees every time you pay suppliers from abroad. At the same time, you'll be able to receive payments in different currencies like a local, often with no fees incurred.

➡️Open your Wise Business account today!

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Sources:

1. 11 Government Funding Opportunities for Startups in the Philippines
2. Nanotronics Inc. Wins Big with Biodegradable Plastic Alternative
3. Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) Program
4. Unemployment Benefit
5. Small Business Corporation Helps MSMEs Restart via Online Loan Financing
6. World Bank Approves USD 500 Million to Help Mitigate Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines
7. Rebuilding MSMEs
8. DICT Startup Grant Fund (SGF) Program
9. PCHRD Startup Research Grant Program
10. Quezon City Government Seeks Startups for Equity-Free Grants of Up to ₱1M