The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its financing arm Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), has launched the OFW Negosyo Fund, offering loans of up to ₱20 million to help Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) build or grow businesses back home.
The program targets returning OFWs and their families who want to shift from overseas work to sustainable local income. A key feature of the fund is its collateral-free option of up to ₱5 million, making it one of the most accessible financing programs currently available for OFWs.
Contents
Who can benefit from the OFW Negosyo Fund?
The fund is designed for:
- Returning OFWs planning to start a business
- Active OFWs preparing for reintegration
- Families of OFWs managing or expanding a local enterprise
This initiative comes as more Filipinos explore long-term financial stability beyond overseas employment.
- Startups: PHP 30,000 to PHP 300,000
- Existing MSMEs: Up to PHP 20 Million
Collateral-Free
- Up to PHP 3 Million (new borrowers)
- Up to PHP 5 Million (existing borrowers)
- Up to 5 years payment term Grace period available
Basic Requirements
- Government-issued ID
- Mayor’s Business Permit
- Proof of Bank Account
- Corporate Documents (if applicable)
Who Can Apply?
- OFWs
- Families of OFWs
- OFW-owned MSMEs
- Newly registered or existing businesses
What are the loan features?
- Maximum loan amount: ₱20 million
- Collateral-free portion: Up to ₱5 million
- Provider: DTI through SB Corp
- Purpose: Business startup, expansion, or reintegration
Compared to traditional bank loans, the lower barrier to entry aims to reduce financial risk for first-time entrepreneurs.
How to apply for a loan?
DTI and SB Corp have simplified the application process to make it more accessible:
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Complete the required documents
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Apply through the SB Corp Money App
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Available on Google Play and Huawei AppGallery
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Web version at app.sbcorp.ph
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The digital platform allows applicants to submit and track their loan requests without visiting physical offices.
A Timely Support
With global uncertainties affecting overseas jobs, the OFW Negosyo Fund provides a timely option for income security. Instead of relying only on remittances, OFWs can use this program to create steady earnings in the Philippines.
This also supports the government’s broader goal of helping OFWs transition into entrepreneurship and reduce long-term dependence on foreign employment.
What OFWs should do next
Interested applicants should begin preparing basic business requirements and explore viable business ideas before applying. Since loan approval depends on project feasibility, planning ahead is key.
For now, OFWs are advised to monitor official DTI and SB Corp channels for updates on eligibility, requirements, and processing timelines.