The Venture Financing for Environmentally-Sound Technologies (VFEST) program from DOST-TAPI is a commercialization support program designed to give you a chance to level up your operations without drowning in debt. It helps you buy or build equipment that reduces pollution, saves energy, and supports environmentally friendly processes. Best of all, the support is refundable with 0% interest and no collateral—a big relief for small and growing businesses.
VFEST is specifically created to support businesses adopting environmentally-sound technologies (ESTs). These include technologies that are less polluting, more energy-saving, more resource-efficient, waste-reducing, and more nature-friendly than other more traditional options.
What Are Environmentally-Sound Technologies (ESTs)?
ESTs include machines, systems, tools, and processes that:
- Reduce pollution
- Save energy
- Use fewer resources
- Create less waste
- Support recycling and safe disposal
ESTs help improve the way businesses use resources like energy, materials, and water. They help reduce waste, prevent pollution, and keep natural systems healthy. They can be simple or advanced—what matters is that they make your operations cleaner and more sustainable. These technologies also support the global push toward sustainable development and help achieve the SDGs.
Why VFEST Exists
DOST-TAPI created VFEST to help MSMEs grow in a way that protects the environment while improving productivity. Using ESTs isn’t only for big companies—local businesses also need support to shift to cleaner systems. VFEST fills this gap by offering financing that is safe, interest-free, and accessible.
With this program, DOST-TAPI supports the national and global push toward sustainability, following the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlighted in the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.
What VFEST Can Finance
VFEST covers the cost of acquisition or fabrication of equipment, specifically:
- Pollution control technologies
- Sustainable energy conservation equipment
- Waste management and abatement technologies
- Other environmentally-sound production systems
This includes machines, tools, and systems that boost your productivity while reducing your environmental impact.
Benefits for MSMEs
The program also offers the following benefits:
- 0% interest (refundable assistance)
- No collateral required
- Covers cost of buying or fabricating environmentally friendly technologies
- Helps improve production efficiency
- Supports pollution control and energy-saving systems
- Aids businesses in meeting environmental standards
If you’ve been worried about the cost of going green, VFEST gives you a way to do it without heavy financial pressure.
Who May Apply?
MSMEs, regardless of years in existence, that are using or planning to use environmentally-sound technologies, are qualified for the program. If you’re buying or fabricating equipment for pollution control, energy conservation, or sustainable production, VFEST is made exactly for you.
Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply though, you need to at least satisfy the following conditions:
- You must be an MSME.
- Your business must be using, adopting, or planning to adopt environmentally-sound technologies.
- Your project must involve equipment related to pollution control, energy conservation, sustainability, or waste reduction.
- Your business can be newly established or operating for many years.
Application Requirements
You also need the following:
- Accomplished VFEST proposal form
- Business registration documents
- List and specifications of equipment to be purchased or fabricated
- Proof that the technology or equipment is environmentally sound
- Project cost and financing plan
- Company profile
- Other documents identified in the proposal template
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for VFEST
Below is the complete but simplified process to help you move from planning to submitting your proposal. Simply follow the steps listed here:
Step 1: Read the Official Call for Proposals
It should cover the full guidelines as well as the program updates, requirements, timelines, and reminders.
Step 2: Check If You Meet the Eligibility Criteria
You need to ensure that you are qualified to apply before you even try to respond to the call for proposals under this program.
Step 3: Prepare Your VFEST Proposal
Use the official VFEST proposal template provided by DOST-TAPI: https://tinyurl.com/VFESTProposal
This template includes the basic structure you must follow, such as:
- Project description
- The technology you will use
- How it helps the environment
- List of equipment to buy or fabricate
- Cost breakdown
- Expected business impact
Tip: Make sure to keep your explanations simple and clear. Focus on what your equipment does, how it reduces waste or pollution, and why you need financial assistance.
Step 4: Prepare All Requirements
All the requirements from the program must be prepared in duplicates before the actual submission of the proposal.
Step 5: Write and Finalize Your Proposal
Take your time to explain:
- What problem your business is facing
- Why you need the equipment
- How your project helps the environment
- How it will improve your production
- How long it will take to implement
If you’re struggling to write, the template already gives you easy prompts. Do not overthink it—DOST just needs a clear story and correct documents.
Step 6: Send Your Proposal
Once your proposal is complete:
- Submit it to info@tapi.dost.gov.ph
- Take note of the submission deadlines provided in the call for proposal.
(If you’re applying outside the old call period, follow the updated schedule posted on the DOST-TAPI website.)
If you have questions, you may also reach their office or check their official pages for updates.
Where to Get the Application Forms
All required forms and letter templates, including the application letter, Data Privacy Consent Form, project proposal template, endorsement form, and notarized Secretary’s Certificate, can be downloaded from the official DOST-TAPI website. These templates are designed to guide applicants in submitting complete and properly formatted documents. For easy access, visit www.tapi.dost.gov.ph or check the specific call for proposals section for the VFEST Program.
Where to Submit and Who to Contact
Applications and inquiries may be submitted through the DOST-TAPI Public Assistance Office:
- Website: http://www.tapi.dost.gov.ph/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOST.TAPI
- Email: info@tapi.dost.gov.ph
- Phone: (02) 8837-2072 to 82 local 2153
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers to help guide your application:
1. Is VFEST only for big companies?
No. VFEST is made for MSMEs, including micro and small businesses.
2. Do I need collateral?
No. VFEST requires zero collateral.
3. Do I need to pay interest?
No. The assistance is refundable at 0% interest.
4. Can my business be new?
Yes. VFEST accepts MSMEs regardless of years in operation.
If you’ve been wanting to shift to cleaner, greener, and more sustainable operations but the cost of new equipment holds you back, VFEST is one of the programs that can help you improve your business while helping the environment, and without burying you in interest or collateral requirements. With the right effort, your MSME can grow while adopting cleaner and more efficient technologies—with the help of DOST-TAPI.