Maya has strengthened its efforts to support women-led businesses by teaming up with nonprofit group SPARK! Philippines, aiming to close long-standing gaps in financing and business support.
The partnership combines Maya’s digital financial services with SPARK! Philippines’ training, mentorship, and community programs, targeting women micro-entrepreneurs who remain underserved despite their major role in the economy.
Maya said the initiative goes beyond providing loans and payment tools, stressing that women need practical skills and guidance to sustain and grow their businesses. The company highlighted financial education and day-to-day business support as key priorities.
SPARK! Philippines echoed this, pointing out that many women entrepreneurs already drive economic activity in their communities but continue to face barriers that limit their growth.
Women account for more than half of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines—a sector that represents 99.5 percent of all businesses, employs about 63 percent of the workforce, and contributes roughly 40 percent to the economy.
Despite this, adoption of digital financial services among women-led businesses lags behind. Data from the Asian Development Bank shows only 28 percent of women-led MSMEs use such tools, compared to 44 percent of male-led enterprises.
Maya said this gap presents a major opportunity. In its own network, over 90 percent of Maya Centers are run by women, many of whom operate small neighborhood stores.
Through the Maya Business app, the company enables small businesses to accept digital payments, manage cash flow, and access short-term credit for operational needs.
The collaboration signals a more aggressive push to not only expand financial access, but also ensure women entrepreneurs are equipped to build stronger, more resilient businesses.
