Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10644)
Republic Act No. 10644 shall be known as the 'Go Negosyo Act.'
The State declares it as policy to foster national development, promote inclusive growth, and reduce poverty by encouraging the establishment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to facilitate local job creation, production, and trade.
Negosyo Centers are established under the supervision of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council in all provinces, cities, and municipalities to promote ease of doing business and facilitate access to services for MSMEs.
Functions of Negosyo Centers include: (a) promoting ease of doing business for MSMEs; (b) coordinating government processes related to MSME setup and management; (c) facilitating registration applications; (d) providing training, financing, and marketing information; (e) encouraging women entrepreneurship by providing access to information, support, training, and credit facilities.
The Act mandates a unified and simplified business registration form to be developed and made available by the DTI at all Negosyo Centers, with business permits to be processed within fifteen (15) days; otherwise, the MSME is deemed registered for one year, subject to later revocation if requirements are not met.
The PBRD is a databank established under the DTI to serve as a repository of information for all business enterprises in the Philippines.
Any person, natural or juridical, having qualifications as defined in Section 3(a) of Republic Act No. 9178 may apply for registration as an MSME.
The Start-up Fund for MSMEs is established to provide financing for the development and promotion of MSMEs in priority sectors of the economy as specified in the MSMED Plan, sourced from the MSME Development Fund and BMBE Fund.
The MSMED Council is composed of government secretaries, MSME sector representatives, and other designated members, with functions including overseeing Negosyo Centers, publishing compliance guides, conducting research and policy formulation on women entrepreneurship, and developing entrepreneurial education and training.
The Philippine Information Agency, in coordination with DTI and DILG, shall ensure proper and adequate dissemination of the Act's contents and benefits to media entities, cities, municipalities, and barangays.
The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.