University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries

What University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries does

The University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) is a government academic institution and research/extension unit of the University of the Philippines System, established by Republic Act No. 6041 in 1969 and headquartered at E. Virata Hall, UP Campus Diliman, Quezon City. Its mandate is to promote the development and growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines through three service lines: training, research, and extension.

UP ISSI delivers a portfolio of more than 20 training programs across the entrepreneurial management cycle — from foundational courses such as Start Your Own Business, to mid-tier offerings including the Managers Course, Accounting for Non-Accountants (AfNA), Productivity through Effective Supervision (PES), Digital Marketing, and Data Analytics, to advanced leadership via the Advanced Leadership and Management (ALMA) course, alongside specialized programs in AI (AId 4 Business with RAG), HALAL certification, GMP, disaster preparedness (HANDA), and human resource management (HIRe). Training is delivered through three channels: face-to-face at the Diliman campus, online via the Virtual Learning Environment (learning.entrepreneurship.org.ph), and on-site customized programs for partner organizations. The GABAy Program provides ongoing online mentoring; the Research Division produces policy briefs, industry studies, and impact assessments; the BUYanihan MSME bazaars provide market access; and the biennial ICESMED conference convenes the academic community.

The business model is hybrid: government appropriations (classified as recurring funding) cover the institutional mandate, while training program fees, conference registration fees (PHP 2,000–6,000 for local ICESMED participants; USD 150–200 for foreign participants), and commissioned research contracts generate supplemental revenue. Staffing is small (~25 employees) and delivery relies on a faculty/researcher network from the broader UP System. In 2024, UP ISSI ran 63 training programs, trained 4,716 participants, mentored 56 MSMEs, produced 7 research outputs, and reached 388,000 users on social media.

Name

University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries

Legal name

University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries

Website

https://entrepreneurship.org.ph

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

UP ISSI is a government academic institution under the University of the Philippines System that delivers training, research, and extension services to MSMEs in the Philippines through 20+ training programs, the GABAy mentoring program, ICESMED research conference, and BUYanihan MSME bazaars.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

MSME Training and Development Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Computer Training (611420)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAEANAD

Digital Learning Content Development (eLearning, Labs, Simulations)

Business & Public Services/IT & Digital Services (Managed Services, Systems Integration)/IT Training & Technical Enablement Services

Keywords

• MSME training programs
• Entrepreneurship education
• SME development services
• Business extension programs
• Applied industry research

Headquarters

HQ city

Quezon City

HQ country

Philippines

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Training Program Fees: Revenue generated from participants registering for various training courses including the Managers Course, Accounting for Non-Accountants (AfNA), Productivity through Effective Supervision (PES), Digital Marketing Course, Data Analytics Course, ALMA, and other programs. Fees vary by course type and participant category (regular, student, early bird).
2. Conference Registration Fees: International Conference on Entrepreneurship and SME Development (ICESMED) generates revenue through presenter and attendee registration fees. Fees range from USD 150-200 for foreign participants to PHP 2,000-6,000 for local participants, with early bird discounts available.
3. Government Funding: As a unit of the University of the Philippines established by Republic Act No. 6041, UP ISSI receives government funding for its mandate to assist SME development through training, research and extension services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

UP ISSI delivers training, research, and extension services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. Its core offerings include a portfolio of fee-based training courses (e.g., Managers Course, ALMA, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, AfNA, PES, TQM), the GABAy online mentoring and business advisory program, applied research services, the biennial ICESMED international conference, and the BUYanihan MSME showcase events. Courses are delivered face-to-face, online, and hybrid through the UP ISSI Virtual Learning Environment.

Product overview

UP ISSI offers a comprehensive portfolio of training programs, research services, and extension activities designed to support the development and growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. The core offerings include: (1) The UP ISSI Virtual Learning Environment (online learning platform); (2) Multiple flagship training courses covering entrepreneurship fundamentals (Start Your Own Business), management skills (ALMA, Managers Course), specialized topics (Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, AId 4 Business with AI/RAG), functional skills (AfNA, PES, TQM, CEST, HIRe, IMPACT), and industry-specific programs (HALAL, GMP); (3) The GABAy Program providing online mentoring and business advisory services; (4) Research Division services for applied research and policy analysis; (5) The ICESMED international conference and BUYanihan MSME showcase events; and (6) The Micro Business Game simulation tool developed in partnership with DSIK Philippines. The portfolio follows an entrepreneurial management cycle approach, progressing from business idea development through growth and sustainability support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GABAy (Gain Advancement through Business Advisory and Support Service): UP ISSI's flagship advocacy program that aims to accelerate the growth and sustainability of MSMEs by providing online mentoring and online marketing support.

Products and services

• UP ISSI Virtual Learning Environment Online learning platform for UP ISSI training programs, enabling participants to access course materials, complete assignments, and engage in virtual learning activities.
• Accounting for Non-Accountants (AfNA) Course Foundational accounting course designed for non-accountants, entrepreneurs, and business owners to understand financial statements, bookkeeping, and basic accounting principles.
• Advanced Leadership and Management (ALMA) Course Flagship management training program designed to cultivate technology-driven leaders and managers able to evaluate, apply, and disseminate management information and practices.
• AId 4 Business Course Artificial Intelligence course that teaches MSME owners and entrepreneurs how to leverage AI tools and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) in enterprise management and productivity.
• Data Analytics Course Training program that equips MSME owners and staff with foundational skills in data collection, data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, and data visualization to drive data-informed decision-making.
• Digital Marketing Course E-commerce and digital marketing training program that teaches MSME owners how to establish and manage digital storefronts, utilize online marketing strategies, and leverage digital platforms for business growth.
• Managers Course Core management training program for entrepreneurs and business managers covering strategic planning, business operations, and leadership competencies for MSME growth.
• Productivity through Effective Supervision (PES) Course Supervision and productivity training program focused on equipping supervisors and team leaders with effective management techniques to enhance workplace productivity.
• Start Your Own Business Course Entrepreneurship foundation course that guides aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of conceptualizing, planning, and launching their own business ventures.
• Total Quality Management (TQM) Course Quality management training program that equips MSME owners with principles and tools for implementing comprehensive quality control systems in their operations.
• HALAL Fundamentals for Food Business Course Specialized training program for food business owners covering HALAL certification requirements, food safety standards, and compliance for entering Muslim markets.
• GABAy Program (Gain Advancement through Business Advisory and Support Service) UP ISSI's flagship advocacy program that provides personalized online mentoring and marketing support to accelerate the growth and sustainability of MSMEs through comprehensive business advisory services.
• UP ISSI Research Division Services Applied and action research services for MSMEs including policy briefs, program evaluations, position papers, area economic studies, monographs, discussion papers, industry studies, and impact assessments.
• ICESMED (International Conference on Entrepreneurship and SME Development) Biennial international research conference organized by UP ISSI that brings together academics, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge and publish papers on entrepreneurship and SME development topics.
• BUYanihan sa Diliman MSME Showcase Regular MSME showcase event that brings together micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs to exhibit their products, network with potential customers, and participate in entrepreneurial activities.
• Micro Business Game (MBG) Interactive board-based business simulation game developed with Deutsche Sparkassenstiftung (DSIK) Philippines that challenges participants in decision-making, forecasting, resource management, and proper accounting of business operations.
• Human Resource and Industrial Relations (HIRe) Course HR management training program covering recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, training and development, performance monitoring, and Philippine labor laws for MSMEs.
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Food Business Profitability Food safety training program covering good manufacturing practices, food safety standards, and profitability analysis for small eateries, restaurants, and food production facilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Trained 4,716 participants across 63 training programs in 2024
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Provincial Government of La Union - Local Economic Enterprise and Investment Promotion Office (LEEIPO)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership since 2023 for empowering MSME sector in La Union. UP ISSI conducts Seminar-Workshop on Enterprise Development (SWED) and provides entrepreneurial training support to provincial MSMEs.
• Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Levelling-Up of Innovative Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources-based Startups/Spinoffs thru Promotion, Assistance, and Development (LIPAD) project. Also partners on Science for the Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism (SciCAT) Project. DOST-PCAARRD funds and oversees projects while UP ISSI provides training and enterprise development support.
• Deutsche Sparkassenstiftung für Internationale Kooperation (DSIK) PhilippinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation on Micro Business Game (MBG) - an interactive board-based game for entrepreneurship education. DSIK Philippines, a German-based NGO, provides facilitation expertise while UP ISSI hosts events and provides venue for sessions targeting students and youth.
• National Dairy Authority (NDA) and Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration on Market Analysis of Local Milk and Dairy Products in the Philippines. NDA and PCAF commission the research while UP ISSI's Research Division conducts the market survey and analysis.
• RGMA Network, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership to deliver entrepreneurship seminars in selected barangays in Metro Manila and nearby towns. RGMA Network provides platform while UP ISSI delivers content on entrepreneurship education.
• Kalahan Educational FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUP ISSI provides technical assistance to ensure commercial viability and profitability of products made by enterprises of indigenous communities under Kalahan Educational Foundation.
• Laguna State Polytechnic University - Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (LSPU-ATBI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUP ISSI mentors capacitate incubatees from LSPU-ATBI through the GABAy Program, providing business mentorship to agriculture and aquaculture startup incubatees.
• Women's Business Enterprise Institute PhilippinesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through Communities of Practice for Entrepreneurship (COPE) program to convene and support women-led MSMEs in the Philippines.
• DANA AsiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration supporting eco-stores through branding workshops and supply chain assessment focus groups. DANA Asia supports eco-store owners while UP ISSI provides training facilitation.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights12 records

Others

• Coursera: Global online learning platform offering professional certificates and courses in digital marketing, data analytics, and business management. Relevant as an indirect competitor and alternative channel for MSME-targeted upskilling content.

Direct peers

• Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP): State university offering vocational, technical, and management programs including entrepreneurship tracks. Comparable as a public Philippine higher-education institution focused on workforce and SME development.
• Asian Institute of Management (AIM): Philippine-based graduate business school offering management and entrepreneurship programs for working professionals and MSMEs. AIM is the most direct academic comparator to UP ISSI's training and applied research mandate.
• De La Salle University – Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business: Major Philippine business school providing professional development, executive education, and entrepreneurship programs. Comparable to UP ISSI in offering adult continuing education with academic credibility.
• University of Santo Tomas – Institute of Business: Private Philippine university with established business and management training programs. Comparable in serving aspiring entrepreneurs and MSME owners seeking structured professional training.
• Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC): Government center under DTI offering trade and MSME training programs in the Philippines. Highly comparable as a state-run institution focused on building SME capabilities through training and extension services.
• Ateneo Graduate School of Business: Top-tier Philippine business school delivering professional and management development training. Comparable to UP ISSI in its focus on upskilling managers and entrepreneurs through structured courses.

Broad incumbents

• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Negosyo Center Program: Government agency operating nationwide MSME development centers providing training, advisory, and registration support. Comparable in serving the same MSME training and extension mission in the Philippines.
• GIZ Philippines: German development agency with active MSME and TVET programs in the Philippines. Comparable as a co-funding/training partner for capacity-building initiatives targeting Philippine SMEs.
• International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office Philippines: UN agency running entrepreneurship, cooperatives, and SME development programs in the Philippines. Comparable in delivering training and capacity-building programs for MSME owners and workers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/upissi
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/up-issi

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries