SBF becomes center for business startups with launching of SBMA Business Acceleration Hub, Subic Bay Angel Investor Network

This premier Freeport has become a center for business startup activities with the launching of the SBMA Business Acceleration Hub and the Subic Bay Angel Investor Network at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on October 20, 2025.

During the Dakal Lakad 2025 Demo and Graduation Day, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III said that launching the two programs establishes Subic Bay Freeport as a center for business startup activities to access investors and strategic partners while expanding innovations beyond the region.

“The project aims to stimulate growth of startups and support them through acceleration with incentives from the SBMA and a business location within the SBFZ. We are also celebrating the graduation of ten startups, coinciding with the launching of the Angel Investor Network,” Lee said.

The SBMA spearheaded the Angel Network Program in compliance with Republic Act No. 11337, or the Innovative Startup Act, which aims to strengthen the local startup ecosystem through a government-led program.

The act provides benefits and incentives for startups and startup enablers thru the Philippine Startup Development Program, managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).

“We’re also proud to share that SBMA has already incubated and produced a successful startup from having 2 Business Process Outsourcing or BPO/Accounting Agents to 300 agents today,” Lee said.

Meanwhile, ten of Central Luzon’s most promising startups took center stage at the Dakal Lakad 2025 Demo and Graduation Day. The event was co-organized by the SBMA, SULONG Central Luzon, and the Wadhwani Foundation.

The event marked the culmination of the five-month acceleration program designed to help startups transition from incubation to investment readiness.

The ten startups that graduated during the event include the Tambanokano Aqua Farm, Dayap Philippines, Project Nitriact, Wisdom | The IP Vault Co., Kilala PH, Kloudtech, Ordermo, Hive Energy PH, InnoVSmarter, and Expoxur.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his gratitude to all partner government agencies and campuses for their keen interest to develop Subic Bay Freeport as a platform to incubate startups, adding that the SBMA will always provide the necessary guidance and support to ensure the growth of businesses in Subic Bay Freeport. 

Other attendees were DICT Region 3 Regional Director Engr. Antonio Edward E. Padre, DTI Region 3 Assistant Regional Director Richard V. Simangan, DOST Pampanga Provincial S&T Director Engr. Mary Michelle M. Quiambao, and Bulacan State University – Main Campus Chancellor Dr. Ruben E. Borja II. (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

SBMA gathers Luzon entrepreneurs for fund bootcamp project

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), through its Business and Investment Group, welcomed aspiring entrepreneurs from different regions of Luzon to the Start-Up Grant Fund Boot Camp.

 

The three-day boot camp, which will run from February 26 to 28 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), was organized by the Sulong Central Luzon Start-up Consortium, Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DoST-PCIEERD), and Bulacan State University.

 

During the boot camp, partner agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will equip the participants with essential skills in line with the Start-up Grant Fund (SGF) Program, such as Innovation and Business Model Thinking, Business Case Development and Market Insights, Pitching and Presentation Mastery, and Proposal Writeshop to perfect grant application.

 

Engr. Dennis Dela Cruz, SULONG Central Luzon Project Leader, opened the event by acknowledging startups and startup enablers present, while Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat, DOST III Regional Director, shared insights on the current state of agriculture, innovation, and science and tech in Region 3.

 

Also, Engr. Edward Paul Apigo, PCIEERD SGF Program Manager, introduced the DOST PCIEERD's programs for startups and startup enablers, highlighting the SGF Program's benefits.

 

Meanwhile, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato W. Lee III and Business and Investment Department for Information and Communications Technology (BID-ICT) manager Engr. Panfilo S. Jurilla expressed their unwavering support in making this event happen. Let's innovate, collaborate, and grow together. (MPD-SBMA) 

Read More