Helping Filipino entrepreneurs grow through financial inclusion and digital support
Small businesses have always been the lifeblood of the Philippine economy — from sari-sari stores and family-run eateries to growing online shops. But while they make up a huge part of the country’s business landscape, many still struggle to get the financial support they need to expand.
Recognizing this, Visa and the Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PhilGuarantee) have joined forces to make financing more accessible for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
Visa and PhilGuarantee: Expanding Credit for Filipino Entrepreneurs
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with PhilGuarantee to explore new ways of improving credit access for MSMEs.
Through this partnership, the two organizations aim to:
- Develop credit guarantee schemes that can help MSMEs secure funding from banks and other lenders
- Support MSME digitization through capacity-building and training programs
- Promote financial inclusion using Visa’s innovative Government Solutions platform, which streamlines payment disbursements, digital transactions, and financial education programs
PhilGuarantee, an agency under the Department of Finance, plays a vital role in creating efficient and accessible credit guarantee systems that strengthen key sectors of the economy.
Why MSME Support Matters
There are more than 1.2 million MSMEs in the Philippines — employing about two-thirds of the nation’s workforce. Yet, many of these small businesses face major barriers in accessing credit.
According to a recent Visa study, 44% of MSMEs cite cash flow issues as one of their biggest challenges, while over half say their cash reserves would only last less than six months. Even more concerning, less than 10% of total corporate loans in the Philippines go to MSMEs — highlighting a huge funding gap that continues to limit their growth potential.
Building on Visa’s Commitment to Small Businesses
This new collaboration builds on Visa’s ongoing global efforts to uplift small businesses. Through the Visa Foundation’s $100-million Small Business Accelerator Initiative, the company supports MSMEs in Asia Pacific by enhancing digital financial inclusion, boosting job creation, and improving access to capital.
Complementing this, Visa’s Practical Business Skills Program provides small business owners with practical lessons in cash flow management, digital payment integration, and financial planning — all essential tools for growth in a modern economy.
Empowering MSMEs for the Future
Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines, emphasized how the partnership reflects the company’s continued support for local entrepreneurs.
Navarro shared that Visa’s collaboration with PhilGuarantee reaffirms its commitment to the government’s financial inclusion goals, ensuring MSMEs have access to “financial products and solutions that are truly responsive to their needs.”
By combining Visa’s financial expertise and PhilGuarantee’s local experience, this partnership marks an important step toward a more inclusive financial landscape — one where Filipino MSMEs can thrive, grow, and compete confidently in the digital economy.
For many MSME owners, this initiative could be the push they need to scale their business, manage their finances better, and embrace the benefits of digital transformation. With partnerships like this, the future of small businesses in the Philippines looks more promising than ever.
If you’re an entrepreneur, now’s the perfect time to explore digital payment tools and financial training programs that can help future-proof your business.