For millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), one of the biggest dreams is to build a business. Not just for extra income, but for long-term stability, financial freedom, and a future where they no longer have to depend on contract work abroad. But what if you want to start a business not in the Philippines, but in the country where you are currently working?
The truth is: it’s absolutely possible. Many OFWs today own restaurants, mini-groceries, cleaning companies, beauty services, transport services, and even digital businesses in the countries where they work. The secret? Proper planning, understanding the local market, and following legal requirements.
Visual created through Google Gemini to illustrate OFW entrepreneurship abroad.
If you’re ready to take the next step, here is a complete, practical, and beginner-friendly guide to building a business as an OFW in your host country.
1. Assess Your Skills, Experience, and Resources
Before starting any business, you must understand what you’re capable of. The best business for an OFW is one that fits your:
Advertisement
skills
experience
budget
available time
interests or passions
Ask yourself:
What skills do I have that can be turned into a business?
Do I prefer service-based or product-based businesses?
Can I handle a side business while working full-time?
Do I have OFW friends or local colleagues who can be partners?
How much capital can I realistically invest?
This self-assessment is your foundation. It helps you choose a business you can manage effectively — even if you are still working.
2. Study the Market in Your Host Country
Every country has its own culture, needs, and consumer behavior. What works in the Philippines may not automatically work abroad. That’s why market research is essential.
Key questions to ask:
What products or services are in demand here?
Is there something missing that I can offer?
Is there a market among locals, expats, or fellow OFWs?
Who will be my competitors?
How much are people willing to pay?
Examples of OFW-ready opportunities:
Food businesses (Filipino and fusion dishes)
Cleaning and home service businesses
Retail shops or online stores
Import and export of Filipino goods
Beauty services
Laundry shops
Transport or delivery services
The key is to identify what your community needs — and supply it better, faster, or more affordably than the competition.
3. Understand Local Business Laws and Requirements
This is often the most intimidating part for OFWs, but it’s also the most important. You don’t need to be a legal expert — you just need to understand the basics.
Research the following:
Are foreigners allowed to open a business?
Do you need a local business partner?
What permits and licenses are required?
Is there a minimum capital requirement?
Do you need a business visa or work permit?
How does taxation work for foreign business owners?
Most countries allow foreigners to legally start businesses, but the process varies. Some are easy (like UAE, Singapore, or Hong Kong), while others require more documentation.
Pro tip:
Consult:
Advertisement
local business bureaus
Filipino business associations
expat community groups
local chambers of commerce
You will be surprised how many OFWs are already business owners and are willing to share information.
4. Start Small and Legal
You don’t need a big capital to start. The safest strategy for OFWs is to start a small, manageable, and legally recognized side business first.
Examples of small starter businesses:
Home-based cooking or baking
Cleaning services
Freelance work (graphic design, photography, IT services)
Starting small allows you to test your idea, build a customer base, and learn the system without high risk.
5. Adapt to the Local Culture and Customer Preferences
If you want your business to grow abroad, you need to understand the local culture. Learn the preferences of your customers, whether they are locals, expats, or fellow Filipinos.
Consider:
food flavor preferences
common service expectations
local holidays and peak seasons
popular payment methods
local fashion, trends, and buying behavior
Being flexible and culturally aware will help your business blend in — and stand out at the same time.
6. Choose the Right Business Structure
Each country offers different business structures. Common ones include:
Advertisement
Sole Proprietorship – simple and easy to start, but you bear full liability.
Partnership – ideal if you have a trusted local or OFW partner.
LLC (Limited Liability Company) – gives protection because your personal assets are kept separate.
Corporation – best for bigger operations with long-term plans.
Choose a structure that gives you legal protection and fits your growth plans.
7. Learn the Tax Rules
Many new entrepreneurs ignore taxes — until they get penalized. Avoid this by learning the basic tax requirements for your business type.
Understand the following:
income tax rate
VAT/GST rules
annual tax filing deadlines
possible tax incentives for small businesses
Hiring a local accountant or tax consultant is always worth the investment. It gives you peace of mind and prevents costly mistakes.
8. Build a Strong Network
Networking is a powerful tool for OFWs. It opens doors to suppliers, customers, partnerships, and business opportunities.
Ways to network abroad:
Join Filipino community groups
Attend local business events and trade fairs
Connect with fellow OFW entrepreneurs
Collaborate with local businesses
Use social media for brand visibility
The more people know you, the more opportunities come your way.
9. Practice Smart Financial Management
Financial discipline determines whether a business survives or fails. Many OFW businesses close because money is mismanaged.
Advertisement
Financial tips:
Open a separate bank account for your business
Track all expenses and income using apps or software
Do not mix personal and business funds
Build a financial cushion for emergencies
Reinvest wisely, not aggressively
Good financial habits ensure your business remains stable and profitable.
10. Scale Your Business Slowly and Strategically
Once your business becomes stable, you can start expanding. But take it one step at a time.
Possible ways to grow:
hire part-time staff
add new products or services
offer delivery or online booking
open a physical shop
collaborate with larger companies
consider franchising your business in the future
Growing slowly ensures you avoid over-expansion and financial strain.
Yes, an OFW Can Become a Successful Entrepreneur Abroad
Starting a business abroad may seem challenging, especially when navigating a foreign culture and legal system. But thousands of OFWs have already done it — and you can too.
The keys to success are:
proper planning
researching the local market
following legal requirements
smart financial management
building a support network
starting small and growing strategically
Your goal as an OFW isn’t just to earn — it’s to build a future. And starting a business in your host country may be the life-changing step that leads you to financial independence, stability, and freedom.
You don’t need luck — you just need the willingness to learn, adapt, and take the first step.
Advertisement
Business News Philippines was launched in October 2015 as a portal for readers to learn more about operating a business in the Philippines.
Wimborne Care Home on Hayling Island is a home for residents who may be frail or living with dementia. It has 47 light and airy rooms, a broad activities programme, delicious food and throughout there is a team of dedicated staff who are employed for their caring attitudes above all else. Wimborne also has a great reputation locally for engaging with their local community, offering a wide range of regular events that are open to all and certainly popular.
Durham Academy has been described as “a small school with big aspirations for its pupils” in its latest inspection which found that attendance has improved “significantly,” with the gap between disadvantaged pupils’ attendance and national averages closing rapidly.
An inspection by Ofsted was carried out on January 20, and filed its report on March 9.
That report said: “Pupils’ attendance has improved significantly over time.
“Rates of persistent absence have declined sharply.
Advertisement
“The gap between disadvantaged pupils’ attendance and national averages is closing rapidly.
“This has been achieved through a consistent, determined effort by all stakeholders.”
The school is set to undergo a transformation in the future. (Image: Dawn McNamara Photography)
The report praised the students’ understanding of behavioural expectations, their engagement in lessons, and the high-quality wellbeing and emotional support available to them.
However, concerns were raised about the students’ attainment in national tests and examinations.
Advertisement
Despite improvements, it was noted that few students have secured the basic qualifications needed for future education, employment or training.
The report stated: “Pupils’ attainment in national tests and examinations has not been as good as it could be over time.
“Too few pupils have secured the basic qualifications they need for future education, employment or training.”
In response to these findings, the academy has been identified as having a “Strong standard” overall but needing attention in certain areas.
Advertisement
The staff were commended for their commitment to professional development and the school management team was praised for ensuring the staff have adequate time and support to fulfil their roles.
The report said: “There is a relentless commitment by leaders to enhance the experiences and opportunities provided to pupils.
“This work includes support in accessing university courses, sponsorship opportunities and holiday study programmes.”
However, the report pointed out the need for improved examination results and the importance of closing knowledge gaps among pupils.
Advertisement
The report added: “Pupils’ educational experience is much better than it was in the past.
“Many pupils engage enthusiastically in their learning.
“Staff recognise the variety of life experiences pupils have.
“Careful consideration is given to ensure that all pupils thrive and benefit from high-quality support for their emotional and wellbeing needs.”
HSDC was proud to celebrate National Careers Week 2026 recently, showcasing the college’s commitment to preparing students for their futures through sector-leading guidance, inspirational encounters and outstanding progression outcomes and achievements across all three campuses.
Everything you need to know on new tax rules for 27,000 people in Northern Ireland | Belfast Live
Need to know
It marks the biggest change to the Self Assessment system since 1997
HMRC stock image
Everything you need to know with just weeks to prepare for new tax rules for 27,000 people in Northern Ireland.
From next month, thousands of sole traders and landlords in Northern Ireland must use Making Tax Digital (MTD) software
It marks the biggest change to Self Assessment system since 1997
The 27,000 sole traders and landlords in Northern Ireland with a turnover of more than £50,000 from self-employment and property have just weeks left to prepare for MTD for Income Tax.
From 6 April 2026, those with income above the threshold must use compatible software to keep digital records, send four simple quarterly updates of their income and expenses and submit their tax return to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
New statistics released by HMRC show an estimated 20,000 sole traders in Northern Ireland and a further 1,000 landlords will be required to use MTD for the 2026 to 2027 tax year. Another 6,000 are both sole traders and landlords.
Most customers will receive a letter from HMRC confirming they need to join, which also explains what they need to do and includes a QR code linking to GOV.UK guidance.
Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, said: “MTD for Income Tax is a generational change and support is there for everyone who needs it. The quarterly updates aren’t tax returns – they’re simple summaries your software auto-populates, spreading the admin throughout the year, rather than leaving it all towards the January Self Assessment deadline.”
About 100,000 sole traders and landlords have already signed up for MTD for Income Tax, with more than 15,000 quarterly updates successfully submitted through a voluntary testing programme.
For most, the first quarterly update under MTD for Income Tax will cover the period from April 6 to July 5 2026 and will need to be submitted by August 7 2026.
A new points-based system for late submissions applies, where a £200 fine is only triggered once four points are reached, meaning the occasional slip-up will not result in an immediate fine.
No penalty points will be issued for late quarterly updates for the 2026 to 2027 tax year – though points will still apply to late tax returns.
Free software options are available, with a range of paid packages also on offer to suit different needs. Once all your digital records of income and expenses have been created, the software will use them to generate your quarterly update.
Those joining MTD for Income Tax in April 2026 will still file their Self Assessment return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year in the usual way by 31 January 2027. The first tax return that most customers will submit using their MTD compatible software, covering 2026 to 2027, will be due by 31 January 2028.
People with a tax agent should speak to them about preparing. HMRC’s research shows awareness among the agent community is 99.6% and agents represent around two-thirds of the customers in scope for MTD for 2026 to 2027.
HMRC is urging anyone else in scope of MTD for Income Tax to act now: read the guidance, choose software and sign up on GOV.UK. Those who genuinely cannot use digital tools can apply for an exemption.
Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Googlemeans you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.Follow belfastlive:
North Yorkshire Council has said it “wants to work with the residents of Whitby” as a proposal to permanently decommission the town’s historic North Cliff Lift, which opened in 1931, was postponed.
At a meeting in Malton on Tuesday, March 17, the authority’s executive committee also decided to withdraw a replacement bus service which it said had become too expensive to sustain.
The lift has been closed since 2022 due to corrosion and water damage, with “worst-case” repairs estimated to cost £5.5 million, according to North Yorkshire Council.
Advertisement
Campaigners, Scarborough and Whitby’s MP, and local councillors have called for the lift – which links North Terrace to the beach below – to be repaired, saying it “is not a luxury, it’s a necessity”.
Cllr Sandra Taylor, Mayor of Whitby, welcomed the council’s decision not to permanently close the lift: “I’m very pleased at the outcome. The leader of the council has promised he will work closely with Whitby Town Council so that is really positive from our point of view.”
Commenting on the council’s decision to discontinue the free replacement bus service, she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “I think there needs to be a better alternative.
“The bus service has worked to a degree because it does allow access for some people, but it has failed anybody who was disabled, or in a wheelchair, it wasn’t a wheelchair friendly bus service, so that was the element where it failed really disastrously.”
Advertisement
Cllr Phil Trumper, who represents Whitby West Cliff on NYC said residents “appreciate the financial constraints” the council is facing but added that the lift is a “necessity”.
He told the meeting: “Almost 6,000 people signed a petition I started, which shows how important it is to the local community. It hasn’t operated properly since 2018, and we’ve seen really serious health and safety issues, most recently last week.
“The build-up of traffic is another health and safety issue, it’s become like the M1. There have been some serious accidents on the beach, and ambulances have been blocked by those vehicles.
“The figure of £5 million is a worst-case scenario and doesn’t reflect reality. We need this asset for the residents, for the visitors, for Whitby.”
Advertisement
Karl Battersby, corporate director of environment at NYC, said: “The main bone of contention is whether the costs are accurate”.
He said there was “no dispute the lift has suffered significant corrosion internally”, and added: “The bus is far too expensive for us to justify based on its current and historic usage.”
According to a report presented at the meeting, the cost of operating the bus service in 2025 was £52,744, or £345 per day, and the cost of operating the service in 2024 was £52,440, or £342 per day.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Trumper told the LDRS: “It’s a victory for everyone who’s spoken up about the lift, been passionate about it and been passionate about the community of the town of Whitby.”
Advertisement
He called on the council to carry out the promised surveys “as quickly as possible because we’d really like to see the lift reopened as soon as possible”.
Cllr Trumper said: “We’ve been talking about it for a long time, so we need to get it open.”
WARNING: Contains spoilers about the Handcuffed final.
22:00, 17 Mar 2026Updated 22:08, 17 Mar 2026
The sheer number of people who pulled out proves just how hard Channel 4’s Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing was: challenging 18 Brits to remain handcuffed to a total stranger. And not just any total stranger – one a team of producers have judged will create the most explosive TV possible.
Tonight, viewers saw Staffordshire porn star Rob, 32, and West Sussex homemaker Charlie, 44, make it all the way to the end, winning the show and a suitcase bulging with £100,000. Now, after the pre-recorded series, they explain whether they stayed in touch and just what they plan to do with the winnings.
The reality is quite sweet – with the pair very much in each other’s lives. Speaking about the moment they were uncuffed, Rob said: “It felt great! I just wanted to shout “FREEDOM” at the top of my lungs. It was a nice moment, but also a little sad moment knowing that my partner has now got to go.”
Advertisement
Charlie added: “It was a huge relief. We actually had to wait quite a long time! It wasn’t like we were instantly un-handcuffed. It was a crazy experience but a huge relief. It took a while to get used to doing things on my own, but that’s maybe because I was very overtired.”
But fans of the couple will be pleased to hear that they have stayed in touch in a major way. Charlie explained: “I’ve learned so much from Rob. He’s such a gentle giant and a kind person. It’s lovely now that we don’t have to keep our friendship secret.
“We can meet up and we’ve been texting a lot. He’s been chatting to my husband Simon! I’ve been chatting to his mum! He and his family are coming over to our house this Friday night to celebrate. I learned so much from walking beside him.
Advertisement
“It was a once in a lifetime experience. Rob was really keen that I didn’t put everyone else’s needs first and I’ve tried to implement that since. We talked about a lot of things! Rob is a very deep person and he’s a very good listener.”
Rob said: “One of the first things I’m going to do is a huge Costco run of food and drink and go out with Tilly to feed the homeless. I was very inspired watching what she did on the programme – I’d like to do a few acts of kindness. I’m also going travelling round South East Asia and investing in a new business. And then I’ll put the rest in savings for a rainy day.”
He added: “I learned a lot. I learned that money doesn’t always buy happiness. It’s important to spend a lot of time with your friends and family, and that I was putting work before everything. I was working too hard and not having an equal balance. And Charlie taught me how to make sourdough!”
Advertisement
Speaking about what they learnt about themselves during the programme, Rob said: “I learned that I need to take a little bit of a step back and prioritise different things in my life. And I want to get a bit more into baking and cooking.”
Charlie said: “That I can slow down, and be a bit more patient. And that I can take some time to rest and recharge, so then I can be my best for myself and others.”
Tonight viewers saw host Jonathan Ross taking the final pairings to Loch Lomond in Scotland to take part in a Mr & Mrs quiz to see who knew each other best. The final three – Charlie and Rob, Tilly and Anthony and Morag and Angie – all then competed in a handcuffed race from Scotland, to Wales and on to London.
Viewers saw Charlie and Rob scramble onto a bus where Jonathan was waiting with the key to unlock them – and a case full of the cash.
Dalton Way in Newton Aycliffe where Subway is set to be opening (Image: GOOGLE)
A page titled “Subway Newton Aycliffe” has been created online, featuring a short description stating: “Subway Newton Aycliffe. New store opening 2026”.
Advertisement
Newton Aycliffe Town Centre also confirmed the development in a post which reads: “The iconic sub shop is setting up right here at 43 Dalton Way, and we are here for it! Fresh-baked bread, loaded subs, and those banging salads packed with fresh toppings… coming Very soon to Newton Aycliffe Town Centre.
“Whether you’re a sub person or a salad person – they’ve got you covered!
The new outlet will be the first Subway in Newton Aycliffe. Currently, the nearest branches are located in Darlington and Ferryhill.
Subway is known for its made to order sandwiches, salads and freshly baked bread, with customers able to choose from a range of fillings and toppings.
The brand was founded in 1965 when 17-year-old Fred DeLuca partnered with family friend Dr Peter Buck, who provided an initial 1,000 dollar investment to help launch a submarine sandwich shop.
The partnership would go on to become one of the most recognisable names in the quick service restaurant industry.
Cuba’s widening economic turmoil along with its growing political tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump have paralyzed much of the island and raised uncertainty about what’s next.
The country was plunged into darkness this week by a blackout — the third big failure of its power grid since December — opening the door for Trump to suggest that he might have the “honor of taking Cuba.”
“I mean, whether I free it, take it. I think I could do anything I want with it,” Trump said on Monday.
Cuba is struggling under the weight of an U.S. energy blockade that has halted oil shipments to the island over the past three months.
Advertisement
Many of the nation’s 11 million residents struggle to keep food from spoiling. Hospitals have canceled surgeries. The leading university has reduced classes due to the power outages and transportation shutdowns.
Here’s what to know about Cuba’s persistent blackouts and deepening crisis.
US leaders say power outages signal need for change
The U.S. State Department said Tuesday that the ongoing blackouts are a symptom of the Cuban government’s failure to provide the most basic needs for its people.
When asked about Cuba at an unrelated White House event on Tuesday, Trump turned to his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who is the son of Cuban immigrants.
Advertisement
Rubio said Cuba’s current political system and government can’t fix the country’s problems. “So they have to change dramatically,” Rubio said.
Cuba’s economic troubles are part of pressure campaign
The Trump administration is demanding that Cuba release political prisoners and move toward political and economic liberalization in return for a lifting of sanctions.
Trump has for months suggested Cuba’s government is on the verge of collapse and said after the U.S. ousted former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro that the increased economic pressure on the island meant the U.S. could have a “friendly takeover” there — though he has not clarified what that means.
While he wouldn’t provide any specifics about the talks, he did say they were aimed at finding solutions to the “bilateral differences between our two nations.”
Trump has suggested that top Cuban leaders would be smart to avoid the fate of Maduro, who was arrested in a U.S. military operation in January.
The Trump administration is looking for Díaz-Canel to leave power, according to a U.S. official and a source with knowledge of talks between Washington and Havana, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the sensitive talks and did not offer any details about who the administration might like to see as a replacement.
Fuel is in short supply
Cuba has struggled with dwindling oil after the U.S. removed Venezuela’s leader, halting critical petroleum shipments from the nation. Trump then threatened tariffs on any country selling or supplying Cuba with oil.
Advertisement
The island is relying on its own natural gas, solar power and its own oil to run thermoelectric plants, but that hasn’t been enough to meet demand.
The impact has been crippling. Buses have cut routes, gas is strictly rationed and a Cuban official said the health care system is teetering.
Cuba’s aging grid has deteriorated in recent years to the point of being unreliable. There are daily outages and more frequent major blackouts.
Advertisement
Its thermoelectric plants are in poor shape too, seeing little maintenance. U.S. sanctions have prevented the government from buying new equipment and specialized parts, officials have said.
Shortages of fuel oil and diesel also have limited power production.
___
AP writers Aamer Madhani and Seung Min Kim contributed from Washington.
The Duke of Edinburgh during a visit to the Bristol Zoo Project as part of a programme of events designed to reintroduce the zoo’s gorilla troop to visitors ahead of the Easter holidays, at Bristol Zoological Society, Hollywood Estate, Bristol. Picture date: Tuesday March 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Zoe Head-Thomas/PA Wire
Aston Martin are reportedly considering replacing Adrian Newey as Team Principal after just two races of the 2026 Formula 1 season
Aston Martin are reportedly considering replacing Adrian Newey as Team Principal after just two races of the 2026 Formula 1 season. However, it is understood that former Red Bull boss Christian Horner is not being considered as a potential replacement.
Advertisement
The Green Machine have suffered a disastrous start to the new campaign under former Red Bull chief technical officer Newey. Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are yet to register a point following races in Australia and China, with both competitors failing to finish last time out in Shanghai.
There were even concerns about whether Aston Martin would be able to compete in the opening race of the season in Melbourne earlier this month. This was because two of the four battery packs supplied by Honda for the race weekend developed faults after just the first hour of on-track running in FP1.
Speaking candidly about the challenging situation Aston Martin find themselves in, as engine reliability issues continue to hamper their performance, Newey suggested that a shortage of F1 experience amongst Honda’s workforce has been a major contributing factor to their troubles.
He said: “They re-entered with let’s say only, I’m guessing, 30 per cent of their original team and now in a budget cap era. So they started very much on the back foot and unfortunately they’ve struggled to to catch back up.”
Reports from SoyMotor now suggest that Newey’s role at Aston Martin is under threat following their disappointing start to the season.
They report a significant amount of ‘tension, nervousness, and disappointment’ within the team, which they say is ‘combined with the aforementioned lack of leadership.’
It is thus suggested that Aston Martin is ‘actively searching for a new team principal to take the lead in management and public relations’.
Advertisement
However, this doesn’t imply that Newey will be dismissed, but rather he is expected to transition into a different role within the squad.
Aston Martin’s next opportunity to secure their first points of the season will be in Japan a week on Sunday.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login