The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is ramping up support for women entrepreneurs through new financing programs, digital initiatives, and enterprise development tools.

Speaking at the 2025 Central Luzon Women’s Entrepreneurs’ Summit, DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Blesila Lantayona announced the launch of the ₱1 billion Women Enterprise Fund, a dedicated loan facility to assist women-led businesses nationwide.

“This is a bold step forward in acknowledging women’s needs and backing them with the resources they deserve,” Lantayona said. “Loan applications are now open for women entrepreneurs across the country.”

The initiative is part of DTI’s push for inclusive growth by providing women entrepreneurs with access to finance, market opportunities, training, and technology.

Lantayona emphasized that the program aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s previous State of the Nation Addresses, which highlighted the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in driving national recovery and resilience. The President also called for streamlined support systems and digital transformation—priorities that the fund directly supports.

DTI, through the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), is also offering various financing options such as the Pondo para sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso (P3), Purchase Order Financing, and the RiseUP Multi-Purpose Loan, designed to meet the diverse needs of MSMEs.

The department’s Gender and Development (GAD) program further ensures that women entrepreneurs are prioritized through policies that integrate gender equality into national business strategies. Programs such as Kapatid Mentor ME, One Town, One Product (OTOP), and DTI’s e-commerce and digitalization initiatives continue to equip women with the skills and tools needed to thrive.

DTI Central Luzon Regional Director Edna Dizon highlighted the agency’s efforts to onboard more women entrepreneurs onto digital platforms and leverage artificial intelligence to expand market access.

“Digitalization is now a critical component of business operations, helping streamline processes and improve market reach,” Dizon said.

During the summit, DTI also introduced the Central Luzon Strategic MSME Development Plan 2023–2028, a roadmap for the growth, diversification, and digital empowerment of small businesses in the region.

“We’re here to support women with ideas and aspirations, helping turn them into viable businesses,” Dizon added. “Our provincial offices, Negosyo Centers, and business consultancy desks are ready to guide aspiring entrepreneurs every step of the way.”

DTI’s initiatives continue to advance the Marcos administration’s goals of empowering women, strengthening small businesses, and promoting digital transformation across all sectors.