The Quezon City Government has officially opened applications for the third cohort of the StartUp QC Professional Category, a program designed to nurture early-stage startups and propel economic and innovation growth in the city.
The program offers equity-free financial grants of up to Php 1 million to selected startups.
The StartUp QC Program aims to support startups by enhancing their readiness for the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
Qualified startups will participate in tailored Learning, Engagement, and Development (LEAD) sessions over three to four months, providing them access to industry experts, mentors, advisors, and accelerators. This support helps startups advance from the prototype stage to developing market-ready products and services, accelerating their business growth.
The program will culminate in a Demo Day, where participants will pitch their innovative ideas to a distinguished audience of stakeholders from the startup ecosystem, offering them the chance to secure substantial financial grants.
Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the importance of this initiative in positioning Quezon City as a hub for startups and innovation.
“This program is a testament to our commitment to transforming Quezon City into the startup and innovation capital of the Philippines. Through collaboration between government and non-government entities, we aim to drive local job creation and meaningful innovation for economic development,” Belmonte said.
StartUp QC, established under Ordinance SP-3109, S-2022, is supported by esteemed institutions such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Thames International Business School, University of the Philippines Diliman, and startup accelerators like StartUp Village and Launchgarage.
Applicants must meet specific criteria, including having at least one member who is a resident of Quezon City and at least 21 years old.
Additionally, startups must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that does not duplicate existing programs or projects as determined by the Quezon City Government. Applicants are required to submit a video pitch of up to five minutes and a business plan not exceeding ten pages.
The application period for the StartUp QC Professional Category runs until June 27, 2024. Interested startups can register and submit their requirements through the QC E-services portal at qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph.
