Nano, small businesses gain ground through Iloilo City’s biz-friendly initiatives

Local entrepreneurs are seeing new opportunities to formalize their businesses, reach more customers, and connect with bigger markets through Iloilo City’s ordinances supporting nano enterprises and mobile food businesses, highlighted during Mayor Raisa Treñas’ second State of the City Address (SOCA).

Among the initiatives is the Iloilo City Nano Enterprise Incentives Ordinance, which seeks to simplify business registration, reduce fees, and expand access to training, mentoring, and other support for small entrepreneurs. As of October 14, 2026, a total of 735 nano enterprises had been issued business permits under the city’s Nano Enterprise program.

For Nat Lim, chairman of the Iloilo MICe Alliance, these permits help local suppliers become potential partners of established businesses that require proper documentation and transparent transactions.
“Business people like me, that’s what we want and what we need. Our investors and owners also want transparency and data,” Lim said.

She explained that local suppliers, farmers, and artisans who previously lacked the necessary business permits could miss opportunities to supply larger companies. With the Nano Entrepreneurship Program, they can now present their products and services with the required documents, opening pathways to broader markets.

During her SOCA, Treñas underscored the challenges faced by nano entrepreneurs, including limited capital, restricted access to government programs, and complicated registration processes. The ordinance aims to address these barriers and give small business owners more opportunities to grow.
The city’s Mobile Food Truck Ordinance is also helping food truck and food cart operators secure legal opportunities to sell their products and expand their customer base.

Julix Mendoza, owner of The Blue Kitchen food truck and president of the Iloilo Food Cart Community, welcomed the ordinance, saying it has given vendors opportunities to operate legally in the city.
“Very thankful guid kami sa current administration under Mayor Raisa nga finally na-approved ang ordinance nga ini nga maghatag sa amon opportunities to sell sa Iloilo City legally. Unlike before nga gapulopanago kami, damo amon ninja moves para makabaligya kag didto lang kami sa mga private locations,” Mendoza said.

He added that support from the city government, including business permits for ambulant vendors and free training opportunities such as food safety seminars, has helped operators improve their services and reach more customers.

“Ang reach namon sa amon customers medyo nagdaku na because we have the support sang city government,” he said.

Iloilo City, a Hall of Fame awardee as a Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit outside Metro Manila, continues to pursue initiatives aimed at making it easier for businesses of different sizes to operate and grow. (Iloilo City PIO)