The following are profiles of individuals we have assisted in opening and developing their business ventures here in the Dumaguete region. They came from diverse backgrounds.
Some were highly skilled employees in their country of origin. After settling well into retirement here, they decided to embark on a new phase of their lives by finally acting on a concept they’d long thought of doing. For you , it might be an internet based business, or opening a specialized coffee shop catering to foreigners and newly emerged, middle class Filipinos.
Some ran small to medium sized businesses before selling up and coming to live here. While happily enjoying their lives in Dumaguete, at some stage, because entrepreneurship had been central to their lives, they found themselves being drawn towards creating a new business venture here.
Perhaps the only assistance you feel you may need would be referrals to the appropriate attorney, or where to find appropriate office space and staff. Although it may sound counter intuitive, what we have found is the more successful a person has been in their original country, that confidence often makes it more challenging to do good business here. It then becomes difficult and financially expensive to rectify errors and move on to the right track.
Whoever you are, and whatever your business concept is, it’s critically important you begin it fully understanding the complex business laws in the Philippines, and ensure you do not violate local and provincial regulations. It’s important to understand the limitations on a foreigner doing business here, or owning a substantial shareholding in any corporation. You may hear statements that it’s no problem to put “dummy” shareholders in place while you control the business. That is not only irresponsible, it’s usually illegal.
If you are considering beginning a business in Dumaguete, your first sensible investment (It will cost you money dude) would be to call and arrange a consultation with one of our experienced business consultants. That meeting could be one of the most important and relevant meetings your business will ever have. We will review your business model, offer comments and suggestions on the concept, guide you to avoid unnecessary legal and logistical problems, refer you to the relevant attorney or staffing agency, and provide you will ongoing support as necessary. You will never be alone when faced with the inevitable, challenging business situations you will face here.
So make that call now. In hindsight, you will be pleased you did.
