For many Filipino entrepreneurs, growing a negosyo does not start with a large investment. Sometimes, it starts with enough money to restock a few shelves, keep a service running, or respond to what customers are already asking for.
That was the experience of Ma. Christine Vito, Mohammad Hadji Mahmod, and Von Bindolo, three entrepreneurs whose first Maya Advance loans ranged from just ₱1,000 to ₱20,000.
By putting the additional capital toward everyday business needs and continuing to manage their businesses through Maya Business, they eventually accessed larger amounts of working capital. Over time, the three entrepreneurs collectively utilized millions of pesos in Maya Advance loans as their businesses expanded.
Their stories show how small amounts of capital can become stepping stones for businesses that grow gradually.
Christine grew a sari-sari store into a mini grocery
Ma. Christine Vito did not initially plan to become an entrepreneur.
After an internship at a shipping company gave her experience selling dry goods, she eventually started a small store with her family in Boracay Island. When the property’s ownership changed, the family relocated to Sebaste, Antique, where they started again with a sari-sari store.
The business stayed open during the pandemic, when customers increasingly relied on it for mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services.
As demand grew, Christine needed more inventory. Her first ₱10,000 Maya Advance loan gave her additional capital to purchase 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.”
Since that first loan, Christine has utilized more than ₱3 million in Maya Advance loans over time.
The sari-sari store has since grown into a mini grocery with a kitchen and mini warehouse, while the family has also invested in a vehicle to support the business.
Mohammad started with just ₱1,000
For Mohammad Hadji Mahmod, the starting point was even smaller.
After working as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), Mohammad returned to the Philippines to help with his family’s business in Boracay. He began using Maya Business in 2023, offering services such as mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out.
His first Maya Advance offer was only ₱1,000.
Rather than waiting for a larger amount, Mohammad used the available capital for his load business, helping him maintain the service while gradually building his working capital.
As he continued using Maya Business and managing his loans, he eventually gained access to more capital for the family business.
From that initial ₱1,000, Mohammad has since utilized more than ₱2.2 million in Maya Advance loans over time, which he used to support daily operations, expand his offerings, and pursue new opportunities.
“Hangga’t may Maya Business, mas kampante akong patuloy na palaguin ang negosyo ng pamilya namin.”
For Mohammad, the approach remained straightforward: use what is available, put it toward a practical business need, and build from there.
Von used ₱20,000 to keep her family store moving
Von Bindolo’s experience with Maya Business began while she was still working in Manila.
After discovering the platform through Facebook, she started selling mobile load to earn additional income through commissions. When she eventually returned to Boracay to take over her family’s sari-sari store from her mother, Maya Business became part of the store’s day-to-day operations.
The pandemic presented another challenge as tourism in Boracay came to a standstill.
The store continued serving customers who depended on it for mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services. Von’s first ₱20,000 Maya Advance loan provided additional working capital during the 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.”
Since then, Von has utilized more than ₱2.6 million in Maya Advance loans over time.
The additional capital has supported business expansion and investments, including an e-bike for daily operations. The growing negosyo has also helped her support her child’s education.
Small capital can become a bigger opportunity
Christine, Mohammad, and Von started with different businesses and different amounts of capital, but their approach was similar: they directed the money toward immediate business needs.
For Christine, that meant adding inventory and eventually expanding into a mini grocery. For Mohammad, it meant keeping his load business running. For Von, it helped sustain her family’s store through a difficult period and fund further investments.
Their experiences also highlight the role of working capital in small businesses, where relatively modest amounts can help entrepreneurs respond to customer demand without waiting for a major expansion.
Through Maya Business, entrepreneurs can access digital tools for everyday transactions, including QR Ph payments, mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services. Eligible users can also access additional working capital through Maya Advance.
For small businesses, growth does not always begin with a large amount of money. Sometimes, it starts with making the most of what is available—and turning that first small investment into the next opportunity.
