For many Filipino entrepreneurs, growing a negosyo doesn’t always start with a large investment. Sometimes, it begins with just enough capital to restock fast-moving products, expand services, or meet the needs of customers who keep coming back.
For Ma. Christine Vito, Mohammad Hadji Mahmod, and Von Bindolo, that first step came through Maya Advance loans of ₱10,000, ₱1,000, and ₱20,000, respectively. Each entrepreneur used the additional capital for practical business needs—from inventory and daily operations to services their customers were already looking for.
Over time, those modest 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 additional working capital as their businesses grew. Their first relatively small loans eventually became 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 was not always part of the plan. After completing an internship at a shipping company, where she gained experience selling dry goods, she developed an interest in running a business of her own.
Christine and her family eventually opened a small store on Boracay Island. When the property where the store stood was sold, they relocated to Sebaste, Antique, where they started anew with a sari-sari store.
During the pandemic, the store remained open to serve the community. As more customers began coming in for mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services, Christine became more active in using Maya Business. Soon, she found herself needing additional inventory to keep up with growing demand.
She was initially hesitant when she was offered her first ₱10,000 Maya Advance loan, but eventually 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 expanded, Christine continued putting additional capital back into the business. From that first ₱10,000, she has since utilized more than ₱3 million in Maya Advance loans over time.
What began as a small sari-sari store has grown into a mini grocery, complete with a kitchen and mini warehouse to support its operations. Her family has also purchased a vehicle for the negosyo—a reflection of growth built through one practical investment at a time.
Mohammad: Making the Most of His First ₱1,000
For Mohammad Hadji Mahmod, the starting point was even smaller.
After years of working as an OFW, Mohammad returned to the Philippines to help grow his family’s business on Boracay Island. In 2023, he became a Maya Business user, offering mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services to customers in their community.
When his first Maya Advance offer arrived, it was for just ₱1,000. Instead of 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 his capital.
As he continued using Maya Business and responsibly managing his loans, Mohammad gained access to more working capital for the family negosyo. From that initial ₱1,000, he 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, the mindset has remained 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 even before she 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.
Then the pandemic brought tourism in Boracay to a standstill, making it even more important to keep the negosyo running. Von continued serving customers who depended on the store for mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services.
Her first ₱20,000 Maya Advance loan provided additional working capital that allowed her to continue 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 reinvest in the negosyo, including the purchase of 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 not only her family, but also the community around her.
Small Capital Can Go a Long Way
Christine, Mohammad, and Von started with different businesses and different amounts of capital. What they shared was how they chose to use that capital: putting it toward real, everyday needs that could help move their negosyo forward.
As their businesses grew, so did the opportunities available to them. What began with inventory, load, and daily operating expenses eventually created 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 designed for everyday business needs, including accepting QR Ph payments and 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 sometimes, a small first step can eventually take a negosyo much further.
Ready to Grow Your Negosyo?
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.
Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated.
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For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.
