Business Ideas for OFWs & Returning Workers 2026
Many OFWs dream of starting their own business in the Philippines. With savings from overseas work and support from OWWA and DTI entrepreneurship programmes, OFW-owned businesses have high success rates. Here are proven business ideas for different budget levels.
Top Business Ideas by Budget
PHP 100K-500K Budget
- Sari-sari store / mini grocery
- Food cart franchise (Master Siomai, Potato Corner)
- Online selling (Shopee, Lazada)
- Laundry shop
- Water refilling station
- Rice retailing
PHP 500K-2M Budget
- Restaurant / carinderia
- Apartment/boarding house rental
- Franchise (Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Angel's Pizza)
- Transport (UV Express, delivery truck)
- Agricultural farm
- Gas station (small)
Support for OFW Entrepreneurs
- DTI Negosyo Center: Free business registration and mentoring
- OWWA Livelihood Programme: PHP 100,000 grant
- SB Corp Loans: Small business loans for OFWs and their families
- Pag-IBIG: Business-related loans using savings as collateral