How To Do the Business Registration Process in Manila, Philippines

Lately I have been posting a few times my very "much publicized" inclination to offer local tour packages in this blog. Next thing that that came to my mind is how to do the business registration process in Manila where I am based. I am done taking up another workshop from a DTI accredited tour operator and she is currently my tie up until I find my own suppliers and contacts. So when Full Suite announced they will be conducting a workshop. Heck this is all I need further!

Entitled "Setting up a Creative Business", the workshop's speakers are the founders of Portfolio MNL. Trina and Rina are the well - accomplished entrepreneurs behind this idea under the creative industry. They aim that their website not only a bridge for their clients but also for artists with portfolios to be found by employers thus helping each other.

The workshop topics are: ways to register a business name, getting licenses & permits, providing official receipts, bookkeeping & invoicing, wise spending and trademarking logos. They said the most important a business-minded person should not forget is copyrighting the product or brand which they notice nobody does it seriously here in the Philippines because it is very important to know what is by law yours.  Most of the participants are from advertising, architectural firms, interior designing and fashion industry.

Tips and Trivias I learned:

Makati and Taguig have the most expensive charges for registering a business. Pasig and Mandaluyong areas  are great alternatives.

Bookkeping for tax purposes require 5 ledgers and these should be HAND WRITTEN only.

To trademark your logo, go to Intellectual Property Office (IPO) which is in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. It costs P4,000, timeframe is 3-6 months and renewal is every 5 years.

To copyright your design or manuscript, go to the National Library. The only requirement is to print out the design of two copies and bring to TM Kalaw. Fee is only P220 and timeframe is 3-6 months.

Business name registration comprises DTI, Community Tax Certificate, Barangay clearance, Locational clearance, Mayor's business permit, Certificate of Registration (BIR), Official Receipt printing and Business checking account (TIN + DTI papers) should all be furnished.

Now for those who don't have the time to do these stuff and the paperwork in order to focus more on the marketing side of the business, Full Suite can do this. They offer business registration packages for single proprietorship, partnership and corporation.  Full Suite also offers backend operation for smaller business like providing human resource, finance and accounting services. By the way Full Suite is the one handling Co.lab Manila that previously inspired me abut what coworking and collaboration is. They offer the workshop every now and then you can check their Facebook Fan Page here for more information.