A major component of DTI’s MSME Development (MSMED) Program is the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project. This project aims to push MSMEs to become more competitive through machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge support under a shared system.

SSF is a national project implemented through partners known as “Cooperators”, or any juridical entity that falls under but is not limited to non-government organizations, people’s organizations, cooperatives, industry/trade/business associations, local government units (LGUs), state universities/colleges technical vocational schools and other similar government and training institutions.

SME Roving Academy (SMERA) was initiated for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It is a continuous learning program to help MSMEs become competitive in the domestic and international markets. Its main strategies include:

• Integration of the business development services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the national and local levels
• Establishment of the Provincial, Regional, and National Entrepreneurship Development Networks
• Management of an inclusive promotion program

DTI’s “Mentor ME” program aims to help Micro and Small Entrepreneurs scale up their businesses through weekly coaching and mentoring by business owners and practitioners on different functional areas of entrepreneurship. This program is under DTI’s Negosyo Centers’ (NCs) projects nationwide. 

The Great Women Project was created to empower women economically. This project puts its focus on women in micro enterprises (WMEs). There are two strategies being executed to attain the project’s goals – one is Capacity development, and the other is partnership building. The project is expected to improve policies, programs and services for women. It is also projected to improve the access for women on assistance and services.

The CARP program, on the other hand, was initiated to promote strong and viable enterprises in empowered Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs). This way, the program can transform lives of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) who are working as vital partners, catalysts and contributors to economic development.

The Industry Clusters under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) were identified to develop and promote the department’s vision of a globally-competitive and innovative industry and services sector. Through these clusters, a remarkable contribution and positive change in the inclusive growth and employment generation.
The program is also expected to enhance the conditions, growth and competitiveness of big, medium and small private businesses. Through the industry cluster approach, DTI is expected to build alliances with relevant agencies and institutions to help and develop competitive and innovative SMEs, to implement a program for productivity and efficiency and to create conducive business enabling environment. These are the major Industry Clusters identified in Northern Mindanao:

• Bamboo
• Poultry
• Processed Food
• Coffee
• Cacao
• Coco Coir
• Rubber
• Wearables and Homestyles