Trade Secretary Cristina Roque reported strong early demand for the government’s P4-billion financing program for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), signaling growing business confidence and urgent financing needs.
At a Senate hearing on proposed economic measures, Roque said the MSME fund—launched April 6 through the Department of Trade and Industry’s lending arm, SB Corp.—has already received 1,820 applications worth about P3.2 billion. She noted that approval rates typically range from 60 percent to 70 percent, reflecting streamlined requirements designed to speed up access to credit.
The facility forms part of a broader financing package aimed at helping small businesses weather external shocks, including rising costs and global uncertainties.
Other targeted loan windows are also gaining traction. The Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Enterprise Development Loan Fund has drawn 255 applicants seeking roughly P152.3 million, with initial releases of P2.9 million already disbursed. Meanwhile, the Women Enterprise Fund has attracted 394 applicants with a combined loan value of about P183 million.
All programs offer loans of up to P5 million per borrower, with no collateral required and a one-year grace period on both principal and interest—terms designed to encourage wider participation among smaller firms.
Roque said eligibility has been simplified to four basic requirements: business registration, permit, bank details, and proof of operations, lowering barriers for MSMEs seeking financing.
Beyond credit support, the DTI is ramping up efforts to connect MSMEs to markets through trade fairs and export promotion initiatives across its global network.
Taken together, the strong pipeline of applications and quick rollout of funds highlight the government’s push to sustain business activity, safeguard jobs, and strengthen the MSME sector as a key driver of economic growth.
