6 Best Businesses to Start in Manila

Manila boasts a robust economy and a population of over 12 million, making it a tempting destination for budding entrepreneurs. However, with numerous small and medium-sized businesses already established in the city, selecting the right business idea can be a challenge.

Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the six best businesses to start in Manila, to help you navigate the competitive landscape and succeed as a business owner.

1. Small Business Services

As Manila is the hub of small and medium-sized businesses, it presents a favourable environment for business-to-business (B2B) services. These services are tailored to assist business owners in various ways, including accounting and bookkeeping, as well as designing and marketing.

If you are considering starting a B2B venture in Manila with the aim of assisting business owners in enhancing their operations, there are several small business services you can tap into. Here are some examples to help you get started.

Accounting and Bookkeeping Services

Helps businesses to stay compliant with financial regulations while also providing crucial insights into their financial health. This includes offering financial assistance, including managing financial records, tax preparation, and budgeting.

Digital Marketing Services

Helps businesses to establish their online presence and compete effectively in the digital landscape. This includes promoting their products or services online using various digital platforms, including social media, search engine optimization, email marketing, and content creation.

Web Design and Development

Helps businesses to create and maintain their websites, ensuring that the website is navigable by users and able to address their intent. This includes providing user interface design, website layout, and website programming.

Graphic Design Services

Offer creative design solutions to businesses such as logo design, branding, print and digital marketing materials, and packaging design.

Human Resource Services

Assist businesses with their recruitment such as sourcing and hiring candidates, while also coming up with executing retention plans such as training new and existing employees.

Translation Services

Provide translation services for businesses who need to communicate with clients or partners who speak different languages, translate important documents, or create documents in their native language.

Legal Services

Offer legal advice and representation to businesses, including contract drafting, corporate compliance, and dispute resolution.

2. Food Cart Business

Food carts have gained immense popularity in Manila due to their convenience. These carts offer quick and easy meal or beverage options for working adults who are on-the-go, allowing them to grab a quick bite during a busy day.

These food carts are typically located in busy areas such as street markets and malls, making them easily accessible to a large number of customers.

If setting up a food cart business in the Philippines seems like a lucrative opportunity for you, make sure to refer to our comprehensive guide on the subject. It can provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to establish a successful food cart business in Manila.

3. Coffee and Cafe Business

The coffee and cafe industry is flourishing, thanks to the fact that 8 out of 10 Filipino adults consume an average of 2.5 cups of coffee each day. Despite intense competition, it remains one of the most popular business concepts in Manila.

Moreover, there are numerous unexplored prospects in this field, including providing coffee beans to other businesses. Given the industry’s high demand, both sales and supply of coffee and cafe products are excellent options to consider.

If you’re considering launching a coffee stand, take a look at this article to discover its advantages and disadvantages.

4. Automotive Business

Manila’s traffic congestion is infamous, resulting in a high number of vehicles on the roads. As a result, there are numerous opportunities to explore in the automotive industry such as establishing a repair service centre to sell car and motorbike accessories.

There are several ways to enter this industry and thrive. The key is to devise a unique business idea that distinguishes you from your competitors.

One such idea is to transform a traditional car wash business into a mobile service. Customers, particularly those with high-end cars who prefer customised services, may be willing to pay a premium for the convenience of having their car washed at their location. 

This is an excellent example of how innovative ideas can boost profitability in the automotive sector.

5. Youtube Business

Manila is a city renowned for its lively nightlife, exceptional cuisine, and rich cultural landscape, which includes museums, galleries, and performance venues. As a result, it is an ideal location to establish a YouTube business since there is an infinite array of content that can be produced and shared in video format, showcasing the city’s unique offerings.

Furthermore, with a massive and diverse population of more than 12 million people, Manila offers a significant potential audience for your YouTube channel.

6. Real Estate Business

Manila is a rapidly growing city with a high demand for housing, particularly in urban areas. This is due to the city’s population expanding, resulting in the increased need for residential, commercial and office spaces. For example, Makati in Metro Manila has experienced remarkable expansion over time.

Furthermore, the Philippine government is actively encouraging foreign investment in real estate, which has resulted in an increase in the number of international developers and investors interested in the Manila property market.

This has led to a steady increase in property values, while rental yields are also relatively high. And all of these factors make the real estate business a popular industry to tap into.

Start Your Business Today in Manila, Philippines

The above are only six of the best businesses to start in Manila. You may have other unique concepts in mind and it is important to remember that your idea will remain just an idea until you take action on it.

Additionally, if you are interested in establishing an online business in the Philippines, do refer to our comprehensive guide on how to sell online. You never know, your idea may be the next big thing to make waves in the Philippine market!