For Ma. Christine Vito, Mohammad Hadji Mahmod, and Von Bindolo, that start was an Advance loan of PHP 10,000, PHP 1,000, and PHP 20,000, respectively, amounts each put toward inventory, load, and daily operations through Maya Business.
Over time, those small beginnings opened the door to bigger opportunities as all three accessed more working capital for their growing negosyo.
Maya Business Loans
Christine: From a Sari-Sari Store to a Growing Grocery
Christine did not plan to run a business. After an internship selling dry goods at a shipping company, she and her family opened a small store in Boracay Island, then restarted in Sebaste, Antique with a sari-sari store.
When the pandemic hit, the store stayed open for mobile load, bill payments, and cash-in and cash-out. She used Maya Business more actively and soon needed more inventory, taking her first PHP 10,000 Maya Advance loan despite her hesitation. Since then, she has utilized more than PhP3 million in Advance loans, expanding the store into a mini grocery with a kitchen and mini warehouse, and buying a vehicle for the negosyo.
Mohammad: Making the Most of His First PhP1,000
Mohammad Hadji Mahmod’s first step was even smaller. After years as an OFW, he returned to help grow the family business in Boracay Island and became a Maya Business user in 2023, offering mobile load, bill payments, and cash-in and cash-out services.
His first Advance offer was PhP1,000. Rather than wait for a bigger amount, he put it to work in his load business. He has since utilized more than PhP2.2 million in Maya Advance loans for daily operations and new products.
Von: Turning Additional Capital Into New Opportunities
Von Bindolo started selling mobile load for commissions while working in Manila, then took over the family sari-sari store in Boracay. When the pandemic stopped tourism, her first PHP 20,000 Maya Advance loan kept the negosyo investing.
“Malaking bagay kahit maliit lang ang puhunan, lalo na kapag ginagamit mo para madagdagan ang paninda at mapagsilbihan nang mas maayos ang mga suki.” (Even a small amount of capital can make a big difference when you use it to add products and serve your regular customers better.)
She has since utilized more than PhP2.6 million in Maya Advance loans, growing sales and buying an e-bike for daily operations. Her business also helps support her child’s education.
A Small Capital Can Go a Long Way
Christine, Mohammad, and Von started with different businesses and amounts. What they shared was how they used that capital: on everyday needs that moved their negosyo forward.
Through Maya Business, entrepreneurs can access digital tools for daily operations, from QR Ph payments to mobile load, bill payments, and cash-in and cash-out. Eligible users can also access working capital through Maya Advance. Maya has likewise pushed for stronger infrastructure and enabling policies for digital finance in the region.
Growing a negosyo does not always mean starting big. Sometimes it means making the most of the capital you have — because a small first step can take a business much further.
To get started, download the app on maya.ph.
Started his freelancing adventure in 2018 and began doing freelance Audio Engineering work and then started freelance writing a few years later.
Currently he writes for Gadget Pilipinas and Grit.PH.
He is also a musician, foody, gamer, and PC enthusiast.
Miguel Palispis
Started his freelancing adventure in 2018 and began doing freelance Audio Engineering work and then started freelance writing a few years later. Currently he writes for Gadget Pilipinas and Grit.PH. He is also a musician, foody, gamer, and PC enthusiast.
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