TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – The Department of Trade and industry (DTI)-Cavite has opened its One-Town-One Product (OTOP) Next Generation program for small entrepreneurs in processed food, home decors, novelty or gift items and other lifestyle products.
From its original “OTOP” concept, which serves as a priority stimulus program for the MSMEs under the government’s customized intervention to drive inclusive local economic growth, the “Next Gen” is the level up version, building from the gains of the OTOP first generation.
This new initiative aims to offer a package of public-private assistance in order for MSMEs with minimum viable products to come up with new or better offerings with significant improvement and innovations.
DTI-Cavite’s OTOP-Next Gen Focal Person Ruy Manaog said the program is applicable “to those who are ready to level up.”
Prospective applicants from the micro, small, medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) must have the financial means to implement whatever product innovation and recommendations, and with existing licenses and permits, he said.
The requirements include DTI registration, mayor’s permit, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) certificates and have the Food and Drugs Administration – License to Operate (FDA LTO) seal, among others.
DTI’s OTOP Next Gen focuses and builds on SMEs with minimum viable products, “those that are starting out will be enabled and assisted through other DTI programs,” Manaog added.
Product enhancements and innovations include quality, product development, design, standards compliance, marketability, product capability and brand development.
Under this program, qualified MSMEs will also receive recommendations and assistance on technology updating, intellectual property assistance, access to finance and marketing platforms and promotion.
Interested SMEs may formalize their intent until Feb 28 and all proposals will be subjected to ACT – or assessment, consultation and triage. Intervention programs are set to start in March. (PNA)
