Green transformation of Filipino MSMEs is the focus of new call for projects in the European Union – Philippine Green Economy Partnership
Funded by the EU as part of the 60 million EUR (PHP 3.67 billion) EU – Philippine Green Economy Partnership, the Green Up to Scale Up: MSME Transformation Grant aims to accelerate the transition of Filipino MSMEs from traditional to circular. It will provide grantees with a total of 1.8 million euros (PHP 125 million) in financial assistance and technical support. The call is managed by Expertise France under the programme’s “Green Business, Infrastructure and Finance” project, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The transformation grants will be implemented through network-rooted solutions, bringing together different actors that each play a role in addressing the broken links that hinder the development of a circular economy in priority industries: agriculture and fisheries, tourism and hospitality, food, and textile.
It will support the establishment and implementation of business support programmes that enable the circular transformation of MSMEs. The call aims to drive economic and climate resilience, and minimize organic, plastic and textile waste for a more inclusive and greener Philippine economy.
“The EU supports the green transition as part of its mission to build stronger economic linkages between the EU and the Philippines. Showing that the circular economy has a great return on investment will inspire other MSMEs to embrace the green transition”, states European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro. “We hope for many interesting applications.”
Unlocking the green potential of Filipino MSMEs
Over 99% of businesses in the Philippines are micro, small or medium size. The grant will enable networks of actors in the selected industries to collaborate and create systems that will unlock MSMEs’ circular and green potential.
“The Philippine’s transition to an inclusive green economy can only happen if we provide an enabling business environment for MSMEs to thrive by adopting circular practices. Through the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, we can enhance the local business landscape while opening trade and investment opportunities between European and Philippine markets”, says Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.
The Green Up to Scale Up: MSMEs Transformation Grant application period will run until 21 April 2026.
To learn more about the grant, read the guidelines and attend the online information session on 19 February 2026. Two additional information sessions will be held in person in Metro Manila on 24 February 2026 and in Cebu on 3 March 2026. The in-person sessions are strictly for reserved slots only, and registrations will be open until 20 February 2026.
The guidelines of the call and a registration form to sign up for the info sessions will be available on the grant’s information page: https://bit.ly/GreenUpToScaleUpMSMETransformation
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About the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership
Funded by a 60 million euro (PHP 3.67 billion) grant from the European Union (EU), the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership is a priority programme under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and is led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It aims to link European and Filipino partners from the private sector and local government to accelerate the country’s transition to a greener economy while sustaining economic growth.
The Green Up to Scale Up: MSMEs Transformation Grant is implemented under the project “Green Business, Infrastructure, and Finance” implemented by Expertise France and co-implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Philippines, under the leadership of the Department of Trade and Industry.
Visit www.greeneconomy.ph to learn more.
Media Contacts:
EU Media Contact
Thelma Gecolea
Expertise France Media Contact:
Patricia Leuterio
Advocacy Officer
patricia.leuterio@expertisefrance.fr
+63 966 6132623