Starting or rebuilding a small business can be tough—especially after disasters, calamities, or health crises. To help micro and small business owners start or rebuild their business, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) offers the Livelihood Seeding Program – Negosyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB)—a livelihood program designed for small business owners and barangay entrepreneurs, making it easier for small entrepreneurs without needing to travel far or deal with complicated processes.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the LSP-NSB—what it is, who can apply, what benefits you can get, and how to apply step-by-step.
What is the Livelihood Seeding Program – Negosyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB)?
The LSP-NSB is a livelihood assistance program under the DTI that aims to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by natural calamities, disasters, or pandemics. Through this program, DTI partners with local government units (LGUs) and Barangay Development Councils (BDCs) to bring livelihood kits and business support closer to every barangay in the country.
Program Goals
The LSP-NSB was designed to help small entrepreneurs recover and sustain their businesses by:
- Increasing awareness among barangay officials about DTI’s programs and services.
- Identifying and assisting MSMEs located in barangays, especially in:
- Conflict-affected areas (LCAC)
- Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities
- Refugee or stateless persons (Persons of Concern or POCs)
- Providing business development support and services.
- Distributing livelihood kits (₱5,000–₱8,000) to qualified MSMEs affected by disasters or pandemics, along with free business advisory, training, and other services.
What Assistance and Services Are Offered?
The LSP-NSB offers a wide range of business assistance, including:
- Business Registration Support
- Business Name registration
- Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) registration
- Barangay Clearance assistance
- Registration with LGU, SEC, CDA, and other agencies
- Business Advisory and Counseling
- One-on-one SME counseling
- Product development guidance
- Financing facilitation and advice
- Market and business matching
- Trade and investment promotion
- Business Information and Training
- Information dissemination on DTI programs
- Training, seminars, and workshops for entrepreneurs
- Advocacy briefings for barangay officials and MSMEs
- Provision of Livelihood Kits
- Individual livelihood kits worth ₱5,000–₱8,000
- Contents vary depending on the business needs of the applicant (based on DTI’s assessment)
- Kits may include tools, raw materials, or products that help restore or improve small businesses
To support barangays and MSMEs, DTI and LGUs conduct the following:
- Program orientation and advocacy briefings on DTI’s MSME programs
- Facilitation of business registration and permits
- Skills development sessions, such as business planning
- Trade fair participation and promotion opportunities
- Assistance in securing specialized licenses or certifications
- Development of localized projects to support MSMEs in each barangay
Who Can Benefit from the LSP-NSB?
The program is open to the following types of small business owners and groups:
- Sole proprietors
- Cooperatives
- Sectoral or community-based associations
Applicants must be located in barangays identified by DTI and LGUs as eligible, including:
- Areas affected by calamities or disasters
- Communities in conflict-affected zones (LCAC)
- Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities
- Refugee or stateless groups (POCs)
Note: Priority is given to MSMEs impacted by natural or human-induced calamities or health emergencies.
This program is especially helpful for:
- Sari-sari store owners
- Small food vendors
- Tailors, barbers, or repair shop owners
- Farmers and home-based producers
- Community cooperatives
Qualifications
To qualify as a beneficiary under the DTI LSP-NSB, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise (MSME) owner or operator.
- Must be located in an identified barangay included in the LSP-NSB coverage.
- May be a sole proprietor, cooperative, or sectoral/community association.
- Must have an existing business or be in the process of restarting/rebuilding a business affected by calamities or disasters.
- Must belong to one of the following priority groups:
- MSMEs affected by natural or human-induced calamities (e.g., typhoons, fires, floods).
- MSMEs affected by health disasters, including epidemics or pandemics.
- Entrepreneurs in Local Communist Armed Conflict (LCAC)-affected areas.
- Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities.
- Refugees or stateless persons (Persons of Concern or POCs).
- Must be willing to attend DTI business development sessions and participate in barangay-level training activities.
- Must submit all required documents and forms, including proof of business and commitment forms.
Requirements to Avail of Livelihood Kits
To qualify for a livelihood kit under LSP-NSB, applicants must prepare the following:
- Business Name Certificate or Barangay Permit as proof of business
- Attendance in DTI’s business development sessions conducted by provincial offices or Negosyo Centers
- Duly filled-out forms:
- Simplified Action Plan
- Pledge of Commitment
Note: Make sure your documents are complete before submitting them to avoid delays in processing.
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the DTI’s livelihood seeding program:
Step 1. Inquire through your barangay
- Visit your Barangay SME Counselor, Barangay Hall, or Barangay Development Council (BDC) to ask if your area is included in the LSP-NSB program.
Step 2. Visit your nearest Negosyo Center or DTI Office
- Find the nearest Negosyo Center or DTI Provincial Office in your area.
- You can check the list of Negosyo Centers on the DTI website: dti.gov.ph
Step 3. Attend the Business Development Session
- Join the orientation or training organized by DTI or Negosyo Center.
- You’ll learn about business planning, basic accounting, and other entrepreneurship skills.
Step 4. Submit the Required Documents
- Prepare your Business Name Certificate or Barangay Permit.
- Fill out the Simplified Action Plan and Pledge of Commitment.
Step 5. Assessment and Validation
- DTI and Barangay officials will review your application and verify your business details.
Step 6. Receive Your Livelihood Kit
- Once approved, you’ll receive your livelihood kit based on your business type and needs.
- DTI personnel will also provide follow-up support to help you maximize your kit.
Step 7. Ongoing Monitoring
- Beneficiaries are encouraged to stay in touch with DTI or their Negosyo Center for follow-up monitoring and additional support.
If you’re a small entrepreneur or part of a cooperative affected by disasters or the pandemic, visit your nearest Negosyo Center or Barangay Hall today to find out how you can be part of the program and start rebuilding your business through DTI’s livelihood seeding initiative.
Where to Inquire
For more details or assistance, you can reach out to:
Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED)
- Office Address: 2F Trade & Industry Building, 361 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Makati City
- Tel. No: (+632) 7791.3325
- Email: bsmed@dti.gov.ph
- Website: https://www.dti.gov.ph
- Facebook: @DTIPhilippines