The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has rolled out a free online company registration simulation tool to help entrepreneurs better understand and prepare for the actual registration process.

Accessible through the revamped SEC Academy at academy.sec.gov.ph, the Company Registration Simulation guides users through each step involved in registering a business via the Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company (eSPARC) and in creating accounts under eSECURE, the gateway to all SEC digital services.

The platform replicates the full registration workflow, allowing users to practice filling out forms, understand system requirements, and identify possible errors before submitting a real application. This is expected to reduce incomplete filings, ease traffic on the actual eSPARC system, and allow SEC personnel to focus on processing fully compliant applications.

“As the SEC continues to transform the business registration process and shift services online, we want to ensure that it remains easy and accessible to all entrepreneurs, whether they are tech-savvy or not,” said SEC Chairperson Francis Lim. “This simulation demonstrates that registration is simple and straightforward, empowering entrepreneurs to confidently take the first step in incorporating their business.”

The simulation covers applications for one person corporations, domestic and foreign stock and non-stock corporations, including branch offices, representative offices, and regional operating headquarters. Users are provided with test eSECURE accounts to proceed with the mock registration and may also simulate document authentication through the Electronic Submission Authentication Portal (eSAP), which replaces the need for hard-copy incorporation documents.

The tool also generates a tentative payment assessment based on authorized capital, helping applicants plan ahead.

Launched during 2025 Investor Protection Week, the enhanced SEC Academy offers free online courses on financial literacy, business basics, investing, and fraud prevention—part of the Commission’s efforts to widen public access to its services and promote informed, compliant entrepreneurship.