Small businesses across the Philippines are gaining renewed hope as access to financing becomes easier, following the approval of a ₱1.75 billion ($30 million) loan facility from Asian Development Bank to Fuse Financing, Inc., the lending arm of GCash.
The funding aims to expand digital lending support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—particularly women entrepreneurs and small business owners in high-poverty communities—helping them secure capital to start, sustain, and grow their ventures.
Expanding Opportunities for Small Entrepreneurs
As part of the initiative, the organizations launched a loan program accompanied by financial literacy workshops attended by hundreds of MSME owners, including sari-sari store and carinderia operators.
These workshops are designed to strengthen entrepreneurs’ knowledge of financial management, responsible borrowing, and sustainable business practices, equipping them with the tools needed to build stronger enterprises.
The program also aims to remove traditional barriers that often prevent small entrepreneurs from accessing credit. Loans are open even to first-time borrowers, and the application process does not require collateral or extensive documentation—requirements that frequently hinder MSMEs from securing financing.
Technology-Driven Lending
Eligibility for loans is assessed through GScore, a proprietary credit-scoring technology within the GCash app that evaluates users’ digital financial behavior. This allows entrepreneurs to quickly determine whether they qualify for a loan, streamlining the borrowing process and making financing more accessible.
“Through our partnership with the Asian Development Bank, we are strengthening our mission to make financing more accessible to Filipinos who need it the most—especially those who want to start or grow their businesses,” said Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Financing.
Supporting the Backbone of the Economy
The initiative focuses on MSMEs because they play a critical role in the Philippine economy. Small businesses account for a significant share of employment in the country, providing jobs for approximately 63% of the workforce.
Despite their vital role, many MSMEs continue to struggle with limited access to financing, which slows their growth and expansion. According to research by the Asian Development Bank, lack of capital and financing access remains one of the biggest challenges faced by small businesses.
“At GCash, we want to make borrowing easier for MSMEs so that more entrepreneurs can access opportunities to grow and thrive,” Isidro added.
Empowering Entrepreneurs Nationwide
With the new funding support, GCash and the Asian Development Bank are encouraging MSME owners across the country to take advantage of the loan program and explore new opportunities for growth.
“GCash stands alongside MSMEs as partners in their journey toward faster business growth,” Isidro said. “Our goal is to help them build a more secure and prosperous future.”
