Govt, PFA to search for new MSME brands

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is partnering with the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) to search for new franchise brands and promote franchising as a dependable route to entrepreneurship.

Last week, the country's trade and investment regulatory agency and the PFA, a voluntary, self-regulating body for franchising in the Philippines, signed a memorandum of understanding to expand the implementation of the NxtGen in Franchising Philippines Program from 2025 to 2027.

NxtGen aims to discover new franchise brands and provide their owners with the tools, resources, and support to succeed in the competitive business landscape. It will strive to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through a dynamic and inclusive franchising model and the creation of new avenues for aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs nationwide.

Signing the agreement were DTI's Regional Operations Group (ROG) Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona and PFA chairman Chris Lim.

Through NextGen, DTI-ROG and PFA will give promising entrepreneurs, particularly those in underserved and remote communities, access to established systems, mentorship, and market recognition in franchising.

The agreement's salient points include the following:

PFA will lead the design and management of the NxtGen program, and launch a marketing and promotions campaign through social media, email blasts, and national events, with DTI-ROG recognized as an event partner across all promotional channels, websites, and marketing collaterals related to the annual search.

PFA will likewise conduct training programs, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring sessions to provide practical and business-relevant guidance to participants.

The PFA will also grant DTI-ROG two complimentary registrations for the Franchise Asia Philippines Conferences from 2025 to 2027.

For its part, DTI-ROG will tap its extensive regional network to identify and nominate qualified candidates for the NxtGen search. The agency will also actively promote the program to MSMEs through its communication channels and regional events.

To maximize the program's impact, DTI-ROG will contribute relevant data, expertise, and industry connections, working closely with PFA to engage potential sponsors, partners, and collaborators.

All program activities will align with DTI-ROG's and PFA's respective mandates and priorities, subject to available resources, and full compliance with relevant government regulations.