MANILA, Philippines: Quezon City Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte announced on Thursday that the local government has partnered with universities and colleges for its “StartUp Program” competition. Launched in 2022, the program aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among the city’s residents. This year, the focus will be on empowering the youth and students through financial grants and mentorship sessions.
Mayor Belmonte recognizes the potential of schools as a breeding ground for future business leaders, innovators, and creative thinkers. She believes that by providing students with opportunities to develop their skills and ideas, they can become the driving force behind the next inspiring business success story. The StartUp Program serves as a platform to nurture their potential and guide them towards achieving their entrepreneurial dreams.
The Local Economic and Investments Promotion Office (LEIPO) of Quezon City, in collaboration with key national government agencies, colleges, universities, and members of the start-up community, has organized the competition scheduled for April. The StartupQC Program is the first local government unit-led initiative of its kind, dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship and empowering the local start-up community.
This year, the program’s highlight is the business plan competition for students. Participants will benefit from lectures, mentoring, and network-building sessions. These activities will assist and guide the students in preparing innovative proposals that address important societal and community-based challenges.
The competition is open to individuals and groups, with at least one member residing in Quezon City, aged 18 or above, and currently enrolled in any college or university in the Philippines. Winners will have the opportunity to win up to P100,000 and other consolation prizes, in addition to the unique learning experience the competition offers.
The city’s Public Affairs and Information Service Department emphasized that the local government is actively engaging with universities and colleges, both within and outside the city, to promote the program and invite participants. Interested students will undergo a preliminary evaluation for admission to the competition.
Mayor Belmonte’s administration has collaborated with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and academic institutions such as Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College, Thames International, Technological Institute of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Diliman, and the Quezon City Academy. Industry experts from the private sector, represented by Launchgarage and StartUp Village, are also involved in supporting the program.
The deadline for applications is February 16, 2024. Interested students can find more information about the StartUp QC program on Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
The StartUp Program in Quezon City demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth and students. By providing financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the program aims to empower the next generation of business leaders and problem solvers. Through collaborations with academic institutions and industry experts, the program ensures that participants receive comprehensive guidance and support to develop their ideas and address real-world challenges.
Quezon City’s initiative serves as a model for other local government units and cities to create similar programs that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. By tapping into the potential of the youth and students, cities can drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and foster a culture of innovation and creativity.
Source: The Manila Times
