QBO Launches Hub for Startup Programs

QBO Innovation Hub, an established partnership between the public and private sector including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), IdeaSpace Foundation, and J.P. Morgan, opened its startup enablement programs to help speed up growth and learning for Philippine startups and entrepreneurs.

“We are excited to create success stories that will inspire Filipinos to start their own companies instead of pursuing opportunities overseas,” said QBO and IdeaSpace President Butch Meily.

QBO will start offering programs and services to startups including access to QBO’s networking events such as classes, workshops, mentorship, feedback sessions, and use of its co-working space.

Available services also include professional consultations on legal, accounting, marketing and design, corporate and government partner resources referrals, incorporation assistance, business registration, intellectual property filing, and investors and potential partners pitching.

“DTI hopes that with our partners from industry, academe, and other government agencies such as DOST and DICT, our initiatives will help advance the development of our local startup ecosystem and increase the number of high-growth oriented enterprises that will bring the Philippine brand in a global scale,” emphasized DTI Trade and Investments Promotions Group Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado.

Through QBO, startups will also have an opportunity to join J.P. Morgan’s Incubation Program, a stage agnostic module that will be available to select and high-potential startups all year round. It initially plans to enroll 15 startups by the end of 2017.

“As one of the world’s leading financial institutions, J.P. Morgan celebrates new ideas and we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs in the country, especially those with underserved backgrounds. Engaging with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at their early stages is critical and we are excited about the tremendous opportunities they will bring to developing sectors and generating jobs, which are both vital in promoting prosperous and thriving communities,” said Roberto L. Panlilio, Senior Country Officer, J.P. Morgan Philippines.

To avail the said services, startups need to have an initial interview with the QBO team and undergo initial assessment. Through this, a customized plan will be designed to match with the resources needed by the startup.

QBO was launched in 2016 with DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and PLDT Group Chair Manny V. Pangilinan. It aims to link innovators, explorers, investors, academic institutions, start-up mentors, funders and enablers as well as a broad spectrum of partners and stakeholders from both public and private sectors to convene in constructive interaction.

 “The Philippine startup ecosystem is growing incredibly quickly, fueled by a young population engaged in the internet and digital, and more importantly, by entrepreneurs that demonstrate incredible determination and commitment. By continuing to develop ideas into innovative products and technologies, startups can evolve to become great companies that positively impact the future of the Philippines" said DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.

QBO is the first innovation hub in the country, pioneering the first public-private effort to establish an innovation ecosystem in the Philippines following success stories of Silicon Valley in the United States, BLK 71 in Singapore, and MaGIC in Malaysia

Global Hub - A New Haven for the Modern Day Professionals

Today’s working environment has changed and it gave birth to a new breed of professional – the freelancers, work-at-home and virtual work force and the star-up entrepreneurs. These modern day professionals are aggressive and motivated to provide specialized services without the limitation of being employed.

They mostly work at their own discretion, at their own time, at their own terms yet provide excellent outputs. Thanks to their ability to multi-task, balance work and personal life as well as enhance their creative juices along the way. Yet despite the many perks, there are also challenges like the need for constant communication and internet connections, limited client meet-up venues (as coffee shops can be crowded, noisy or just plain expensive) and the constant uplifting of professionalism especially to some doubtful clients.

It’s a good thing that with the rise of the modern day professionals was followed by the birth of serviced offices. A serviced office is a co-working office set-up where contemporary professionals can utilize the area as their office as per their need. Serviced office also provides office facilities like concierge, printing/scanning, call facilitation and even the other basic administrative needs of a professional. Services offices also provide conference rooms for more private engagements and meetings.

One of the latest serviced offices available in the metropolis is Global Hub Serviced Office, Inc. located at Suite 300, 3rd Floor of Rufino Plaza along Ayala Avenue, Makati City. The primed spot location of Global Hub is accessible by public transport and just a few minutes away from premier malls like Greenbelt and Glorietta.

But what sets Global Hub apart is its straight-forward packages which includes basic amenities like high speed internet connection, concierge services, unlimited coffee and printing services. The rates are also competitive in terms of flexibility as Global Hub aims to provide comfort, convenience and cost-effectiveness especially to start-up companies and modern professionals. The drive of the serviced office is to aid Filipino start-ups to have an avenue for growth, Global Hub takes care of the office needs so professionals and start-ups can focus on more important aspects of their job or business.

To formally introduce the Global Hub’s unique benefits, bloggers were invited last November 26, 2014 at 2:00 PM for the “Coffee Break with Global Hub”. The event was filled with a casual yet intimate get- together to allow invited guests to experience Global Hub. A tour was also lead by Ms. Lynne Bas, the Marketing Manager of Global Hub - Makati. The Makati branch is the first entry of the primed serviced office to the center of business in the metropolis. Global Hub’s main branch is located in Cebu City where it is considered to be among the top among its industry.

For more inquiries you can email boyraket@gmail.com