The ReSTART Program is a support initiative created by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and several partners to help sari-sari stores, carinderias, and other micro-retailers recover after the pandemic by giving them access to training, safety materials, and bridge loans that mix cash and ready-to-sell goods. It was built so small stores can restock, reopen, and keep serving their communities even when times are tough.
If you’re a micro-retailer trying to bring life back to your business, this program was designed to give you a real chance to rebuild your income without heavy interest or complicated requirements. This guide will help you apply through its partner groups like SB Corp, ASA Philippines, or ASKMSDI and receive both financial help and safety support designed for micro-retailers.
What is the DTI ReSTART Program?
ReSTART stands for Rebuilding the Sari-Sari Stores Through Access to Resources and Trade, a joint program of:
- Department of Trade and Industry – Regional Operations Group
- Coca-Cola Far East Limited, Philippines
- Small Business Corporation (SB Corp)
- ASA Philippines Foundation Inc.
- Alalay sa Kaunlaran Microfinance Social Development Inc. (ASKMSDI)
These groups pooled P157 million to support 15,000 small retailers nationwide by complementing SB Corp’s Enterprise Rehabilitation Financing (ERF-CARES Program), It was built to help micro-retailers bounce back after the economic damage caused by COVID-19. The program supports sari-sari stores, carinderias, and other small neighborhood retailers through a mix of training, safety tools, and bridge loans.
The full program has three main components:
Safe Stores Communication
You receive easy-to-understand posters, flyers, and visual reminders on how to maintain safe store operations. These are designed for small business owners, customers, and local communities.
Safe Store Education
You get access to online learning modules that explain:
- how to run your store safely
- how to adjust your operations after COVID
- how to protect yourself, your staff, and your customers
These lessons were developed with micro-retailers in mind, using simple language and clear examples.
Retailers’ Rebuild
Bridge Loan
This is the heart of the program. It provides:
- Loan assistance through SB Corp, ASA Philippines, and ASKMSDI
- A loan mix of 30% to 60% goods or ready-to-sell products
- 40% to 70% cash
- Up to four loan cycles with zero interest
- Only minimal service fees
This loan is designed to help store owners reopen quickly, restock shelves, and stabilize their income.
Safe Stores Kit
Micro-retailers who take the loan also receive safety materials like posters and store markers to help keep operations safe for everyone.
Why the ReSTART Program Matters for Small Stores
Based on surveys like the Rapid Retailers Assessment by the Philippine Association of Store and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), many sari-sari stores and carinderias faced challenges such as:
- running out of capital
- difficulty sourcing inventory
- sudden drop in customers
- temporary closures
- reduced selling hours
This program is designed to address these problems while at the same time offering the following benefits:
- A chance to reopen or grow your sari-sari store or carinderia
- Zero-interest loan cycles (up to four)
- Ready-to-sell products included in the loan, so you can restock right away
- Only minimal service fees
- A Safe Store Kit to help you protect yourself and your customers
- Guidance and mentoring so you can run your business more smoothly
- Materials that explain safe operations in friendly, simple language
This gives you both the money and the knowledge needed to move forward. It also gives you both fuel and tools for rebuilding:
- Capital to restock
- Safety guides to protect customers
- Learning modules for better business decisions
- A support network of government and private partners
- Gradual, interest-free repayment cycles
- Opportunities to future-proof your store
Small stores are the heartbeat of communities. ReSTART was created to keep that heartbeat strong.
Who Can Apply?
The ReSTART Bridge Loan specifically targets:
- sari-sari store owners
- carinderia owners
- micro-retailers severely affected by the pandemic
- neighborhood-based sellers needing financial assistance to reopen
- small businesses involved in local community retail
If your store struggled during the pandemic and you need help rebuilding, this program is designed exactly for you.
Required Documents
The ReSTART Program requirements include:
- Valid government-issued ID
- Proof that you operate a sari-sari store or carinderia
- photos of your store
- signage or display area
- recent receipts or inventory items
- Basic borrower information form (given by SB Corp, ASA, or ASKMSDI)
- Proof of address (barangay certificate or any document showing your location)
- Contact number and emergency contact
- Brief description of your store’s situation during/after the pandemic
- Barangay business permit or store permit (if you have one)
- Household information sheet (required by some MFIs)
How to Apply for the DTI ReSTART Program
The exact process may vary slightly depending on whether you apply through SB Corp, ASA Philippines, or ASKMSDI, since they help deliver the loans. But the steps below reflect the general application process for most borrowers:
Step 1: Contact the Implementing Microfinance Partner
You may reach out to:
- ASA Philippines Foundation Inc.
- Amalalay sa Kaunlaran Microfinance Social Development Inc. (ASKMSDI)
- Small Business Corporation (SB Corp)
These groups manage the actual loan processing.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Your microfinance partner will guide you, but expect to be asked for documents and pictures to prove that you are an active micro-retailer.
Step 3: Attend Orientation or Interview
This is your chance to learn:
- how the loan works
- how the cash and goods portion will be given
- your responsibilities
- safety guidelines under the Safe Store modules
Interviews are friendly and supportive. Their goal is to help, not intimidate.
Step 4: Loan Assessment and Approval
Your chosen microfinance institution checks:
- your business situation
- your pandemic-related losses
- your ability to restart operations
The assessment is straightforward, and approvals are typically quicker than traditional bank loans.
Step 5: Receive Your Bridge Loan
Once approved, you’ll receive:
- Goods (30% to 60%) delivered to your store or picked up from partner suppliers
- Cash (40% to 70%) released directly to you or through the MFI’s payout method
This mix helps you restock immediately while giving you flexibility for bills, rent, utilities, or store repairs.
Step 6: Receive Your Safe Store Kit
This will include visual reminders and safety materials for everyday store operations.
Step 7: Join Coaching, Mentoring, and Follow-Ups
The program doesn’t leave you hanging. Partners will check on your progress and help guide you as your business rebuilds.
Tips Before You Apply
To make the most of your application:
- Take clear photos of your store setup.
- Be honest during interviews.
- Know what your store needs most: goods, cash, or repairs.
- Join all mentoring sessions to gain more knowledge.
- Follow safety guidelines to maintain customer trust.
Video: Safe Store for the Consumers
The DTI ReSTART Program recognizes the courage and importance of small store owners. If your sari-sari store or carinderia feels like it’s running on its last spark, consider this program your warm restart button. If you’re ready to bring life back to your shelves and to your community, but are not yet convinced that ReSTART is your best bet, then you may check out this video to learn more: