For many Filipino entrepreneurs, growing a negosyo doesn’t always begin with a big investment. Sometimes, it starts with just enough capital to restock in-demand products, expand what they can offer, or keep up with their customers.
For Ma. Christine Vito, Mohammad Hadji Mahmod, and Von Bindolo, that starting point was a Maya Advance loan of ₱10,000, ₱1,000, and ₱20,000, respectively. Each put that additional capital toward practical business needs: from inventory and everyday operations to services their customers were already looking for.
Over time, those small beginnings opened the door to bigger opportunities. By continuing to transact through Maya Business and responsibly managing their loans, all three were able to access more working capital as their businesses grew, turning their first relatively small loans into millions of pesos in Maya Advance loans utilized over time.
Christine: From a Sari-Sari Store to a Growing Grocery
For Ma. Christine Vito, becoming a business owner wasn’t always part of the plan. After completing an internship at a shipping company, where she gained experience selling dry goods, she became interested in running a business of her own.
Christine and her family eventually opened a small store in Boracay Island. When the property where it stood was sold, they relocated to Sebaste, Antique, where they started again with a sari-sari store.
During the pandemic, the store remained open to serve the community. As more customers came in for mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services, Christine began using Maya Business more actively, and soon found herself needing more inventory to keep up with demand.
She was initially hesitant when she was offered her first ₱10,000 Maya Advance loan, but decided to use it to purchase more products for the store.
“Noong una, natakot akong kumuha ng loan, pero dahil sa Maya Business, nagkaroon kami ng puhunan para tuloy-tuloy na mapalago ang negosyo namin.” (At first, I was afraid to take out a loan, but through Maya Business, we had the capital to continuously grow our business.)
As the negosyo grew, Christine continued putting additional capital back into the business. Since that first ₱10,000, she has utilized more than ₱3 million in Maya Advance loans over time.
What began as a small sari-sari store has since expanded into a mini grocery, with a kitchen and mini warehouse to support its operations. Her family has also purchased a vehicle for the negosyo, growth that Christine built one practical investment at a time.
Mohammad: Making the Most of His First ₱1,000
For Mohammad Hadji Mahmod, the first step was even smaller. After years of working as an OFW, Mohammad returned to the Philippines to help grow his family’s business in Boracay Island. He became a Maya Business user in 2023, offering mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services to customers in their community.
When his first Maya Advance offer came, it was for ₱1,000. Rather than waiting for a bigger amount, Mohammad saw an opportunity to put what was available to work. He used the funds for his load business, helping keep the service running while gradually building up his capital.
As he continued using Maya Business and responsibly managing his loans, he was able to access more working capital for the family negosyo. From that first ₱1,000, Mohammad has since utilized more than ₱2.2 million in Maya Advance loans over time, helping him sustain daily operations, expand his product offerings, and pursue new business opportunities.
“Hangga’t may Maya Business, mas kampante akong patuloy na palaguin ang negosyo ng pamilya namin.” (As long as we have Maya Business, I feel more confident continuing to grow our family business.)
For Mohammad, it’s a mindset that has stayed the same since his first loan: start with what you have, put it to good use, and keep building from there.
Von: Turning Additional Capital Into New Opportunities
Von Bindolo’s journey with Maya Business began before she even took over her family’s sari-sari store. While working in Manila, she discovered Maya Business through Facebook and began selling mobile load to earn additional income through commissions. When she returned to Boracay to take over the family store from her mother, Maya Business became part of how she served customers in the community.
When the pandemic hit and tourism in Boracay came to a standstill, keeping the negosyo running became even more important. Von continued serving customers who relied on the store for mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services.
Her first ₱20,000 Maya Advance loan gave her additional working capital to keep investing in the business during a difficult period.
“Malaking bagay kahit maliit lang ang puhunan, lalo na kapag ginagamit mo para madagdagan ang paninda at mapagsilbihan nang mas maayos ang mga suki. Unti-unti, nakita ko rin na kaya palang lumago ang negosyo namin.” (Even a small amount of capital can make a big difference, especially when you use it to add more products and serve your regular customers better. Little by little, I also saw that our business could really grow.)
Since that first loan, Von has utilized more than ₱2.6 million in Maya Advance loans over time. The additional capital has helped her grow sales and invest back into the negosyo, including purchasing an e-bike for daily operations. Her growing business has also helped support her child’s education.
What started as a sari-sari store passed down by her mother continues to grow into a negosyo that supports both her family and the community around her.
Small Capital Can Go a Long Way
Christine, Mohammad, and Von started with different businesses and different amounts. What they shared was how they chose to use that capital: putting it toward real, everyday needs that could help their negosyo move forward.
As their businesses grew, so did the opportunities available to them. What began with inventory, load, and daily operating needs eventually helped make room for bigger investments: from expanding a sari-sari store into a mini grocery to purchasing vehicles and exploring new sources of income.
Through Maya Business, entrepreneurs can access digital tools and services for everyday business needs, from accepting QR Ph payments to offering mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services. Eligible Maya Business users can also access additional working capital through Maya Advance.
For Filipino entrepreneurs, growing a negosyo doesn’t always mean starting big. Sometimes, it means making the most of the capital you have, putting it where it can make a difference, and building from there.
Because a small first step can eventually take a negosyo much further.
Looking to grow your negosyo with digital tools and services? Apply to become a Maya Center and download the Maya Business app on Google Play and App Store to get started.
