In the Philippines, it’s not unusual for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to exhibit genuine growth potential but still have limited access to capital—or at least, the kind of capital their founders can live with. While any solid business model will attract potential backers, traditional investors often expect a controlling share, which many founders find problematic. Founders who want to lead their business according to a specific mission or values will be especially hesitant to give up ownership over their venture.
Fortunately, the rise of digital financial tools has completely changed things for the better. With the help of digital banks like Maya, business owners now have more options to grow sustainably without diluting ownership or control. If you run an MSME, you can turn to digital credit lines and loans like Maya Easy Credit or Maya Personal Loan to cover both short-term and strategic business needs. With these funding sources, you can finance your business’s move to the next level without giving up a piece of ownership
To be clear, finding better tools is just part of the solution. To use these tools effectively, you’ll also need to take a wider view of your business’s finances. Below are practical strategies that can help you move forward while still keeping 100% of your hard-earned equity.
1. Tap into a Line of Credit for Uninterrupted Operations
Sometimes, expansion is less about paying off large expenses and much more about consistently managing a series of smaller, recurring costs. Things like stocking up on raw materials or covering rent are necessary for business continuity, but they aren’t always so simple to cover. Depending on your cash flow, you may fall delinquent in these areas while waiting for receivables. This is where a virtual credit line like Maya Easy Credit helps.
Maya Easy Credit provides up to PHP 30,000 in extra funds, payable within 30 days. It comes with a simple service fee-based structure rather than interest, making it more predictable than similar offerings. Applicants can enjoy service fees of as low as 3.99%. Users can either transfer the money to their Maya Wallet or use Maya Easy Credit directly as a payment method when checking out online or scanning to pay with QR in participating merchants.
Subject to credit evaluation, Maya Easy Credit applications are also approved in no time at all, giving you the agility to act fast when the need arises.
2. Strengthen Your Cash Flow Management
Staying on the theme of cash flow, sustainable growth requires financial stability. Before seeking external funding, make sure your day-to-day cash flow is strong and predictable. Review your income and expense cycles, as well as your current payment terms with suppliers. This ensures you won’t need to rely on loans for sustaining current operations and lets you strike the right balance in your finances when you expand. Maintaining positive cash flow also improves your credibility when applying for loans or seeking other kinds of funding.
3. Use Maya Personal Loans for Major Upgrades
Projects larger than typical operational expenses, like expensive equipment upgrades or big-ticket marketing campaigns, may require more substantial and more structured financing. For this purpose, Maya Personal Loan offers up to PHP 250,000 in extra funds, payable in 6, 9, 12, 18, or 24 months and with add-on rates starting at just 0.77% per month. This makes it a practical alternative to a traditional bank loan.
Because funds are credited directly to your Maya Wallet upon approval, Maya Personal Loan lets you start executing your plans with no delay. Best of all, the loan doesn’t require collateral or complex paperwork, giving you the freedom to grow your business.
4.Build Emergency and Opportunity Funds ASAP
Disaster and opportunity are both unpredictable, impacting your business one way or another during the times you least expect them. Having dedicated funds for emergencies and unplanned opportunities (e.g., chance to buy discounted bulk inventory or limited-time real estate deals) can help you expand without over-relying on borrowing.
First, you’ll want to focus on building a traditional emergency fund that covers three to six months of operating expenses, set aside in a high-performance savings account like Maya Savings. Once you’ve achieved your emergency savings goals, set up a new account or use Maya Personal Goals to set up a second reserve just for capturing fleeting opportunities. Once you’ve set both emergency and opportunity funds, you’ll avoid pausing growth plans due to short-term liquidity issues, effectively staving off risks to your equity.
5. Grow Your Creditworthiness Strategically
While responsible borrowing does help solve short-term needs, the real value is arguably in how it supports your business in the long term. Paying your loans on time helps you build a positive credit history, making it easier to qualify for the best loans and credit lines available. You might not reap the benefits right now, but perhaps in a few years, you can begin financing major expansions that greatly increase your profit potential.
6. Reinvest Your Profits for Sustainable Growth
While debt can accelerate growth, you need to consistently reinvest profits to make this growth sustainable. Allocate a portion of your monthly income toward scaling initiatives in key areas like product development, staff training, or marketing campaigns. With disciplined reinvestment and well-managed credit to fill in the gaps, you’ll maintain steady progress without overextending your finances.
Own Every Step of Your Business’s Growth
Funding business growth no longer means giving up what’s yours. In today’s digital credit market, Maya Easy Credit has emerged as a go-to for covering MSMEs’ recurring needs, while Maya Personal Loan has proven ideal for bigger, strategic expenses. No longer encumbered with the prospect of giving up ownership, more Filipino entrepreneurs are freer to push their businesses towards their original vision.
Thanks to Maya, growth doesn’t always have to be about compromise. With just the Maya App, you can start confidently taking your next big step. Explore the possibilities of Maya today and take your business wherever you want it to be.
