Top Areas in Cebu for Starting an Enterprise

Picking a location is perhaps the most important decision an entrepreneur will make so it requires plenty of planning and research. It involves understanding state laws and taxes, staying on budget, scoping the competition, assessing your supply chain, looking at the demographics, and more.

Several things must be considered when you are searching for a workspace that provides exposure to customers. One is the consistency of the unit with the brand image you want to maintain. Another is the number of competitors that can be found in the area. There is also the proximity to your suppliers along with the potential for future growth. Not to mention the zoning regulations that have to be followed.

In Cebu, there are many locations that would be suitable for starting a venture. If you want to be able to experience a sense of community among other enterprises, you can check out the two major business districts.

One is the Cebu Business Park. This is a 50-hectare development that integrates leisure, recreation, sports, residential, and business facilities. Its centrepiece is the Ayala Center Cebu which draws about 60,000 shoppers daily. It is, at present, the single largest urban development in the country outside of Metro Manila making a great alternative to Makati office space for rent.

The other is the Cebu IT Park (formerly known as the Asiatown IT Park). It is a district that is developed to attract investors or entrepreneurs in the information technology sector. Its present tenants include Epson, Microsoft, IBM, Qualfon, Convergys, PeopleSupport, NEC, and 1 & 1 Internet Philippines, Inc.

If you are interested in a less formal or corporate environment for your enterprise, there are other options for you. An example is the area surrounding the Fuente Osmeña Circle. This is where you can find the Robinsons Place Cebu and Rajah Park Hotel. While the establishments there are mainly in the retail, leisure, or hospitality fields, there are actually numerous commercial units that you can rent for offices.

When you want space for your manufacturing or production teams, you can head to the Mactan Economic Processing Zones. There is where most of the factories or plants can be found. Some of the items that are being produced in MEPZ include jewellery, electronic parts, and many others. Not many offices can be found there though it is an excellent location when you are thinking to export your goods and services to other parts of the country given its proximity to the airport.

Besides those mentioned above, there are many other areas where you could possibly set up your business in Cebu. There is no need to limit yourself within specific zones. Just make sure that you do not end up in some shady neighbourhood or dilapidated building and you should have no trouble in maintaining a good image to your clients or customers.

If you are still unsure of where you should go with your plans, it is wise to get in touch with a consultant. While you may have to pay for their advice, you are guaranteed to receive the best information about being a business owner from them thanks to their expertise.

About the Author

Regus is a British-based company that caters to the needs of business owners who are in search of flexible workspaces and quality outsourcing services.