The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is offering Negros Occidental micro, small, and medium enterprises the opportunity to benefit from technological upgrade assistance through their Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program Innovation Fund (SETUP i-FUND).

The program, which has a budget of P17.7 million, will provide small businesses with assistance pertaining to technical consultancy services product development, process and equipment upgrading, technology trainings, laboratory and testing services, packaging and labeling assistance, among other processes.

According to DOST provincial director, Engr. Allan Francis Daraug, most SETUP beneficiaries in the province operate in the food processing, and metals and engineering sectors, which are among the program’s priority sectors.

Beneficiaries are expected to repay the total cost of assistance to the government over three years without interest./WDJ