Fintech Maya has partnered with SPARK! Philippines to expand support for women micro-entrepreneurs in the Philippines, combining digital financial services with training, mentorship, and community-based programs to strengthen women-led micro and small businesses.
The collaboration is part of Maya’s efforts to promote financial health and inclusion agenda, which focuses on improving access to digital payments, savings, and credit for women-owned enterprises. SPARK! Philippines, a nonprofit advocating gender-responsive policies and women’s leadership, will complement these efforts through on-the-ground support such as business training, mentoring, and advocacy programs.
Women micro-entrepreneurs remain a key target for financial inclusion efforts in the country, especially as many continue to face barriers beyond access to capital.
“This is a segment that remains underserved despite its scale,” said Toff Rada, head of Corporate Affairs at Maya. “Our focus is to provide women-led micro businesses with practical tools and support, including financial education, that can help them manage daily operations and build more sustainable income over time.”
SPARK! Philippines emphasized that women entrepreneurs already play a major role in local economies but often lack access to structured support systems that help businesses grow and scale.
“Women micro-entrepreneurs are already driving economic activity in their communities, but many still face barriers beyond access to financing,” said Maica Teves, executive director of SPARK! Philippines. “By working with Maya, we aim to bring training, mentorship, and community-based support closer to them, helping strengthen and sustain their businesses.”
The partnership comes as women continue to play a role in the Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. Various studies show that more than half of small businesses are owned or led by women, while women also account for a significant share of new business formation in the country.
Despite their importance, women-led MSMEs remain underserved in terms of digital adoption. A 2023 study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) found that only about 28% of women-led MSMEs use digital financial services, compared with 44% of male-led businesses. The gap highlights ongoing challenges in accessing tools that can improve financial management, efficiency, and business growth.
Maya’s own ecosystem reflects both the gap and the opportunity. More than 90% of its nationwide Maya Centers are operated by women, many of whom run neighborhood stores and other microbusinesses that serve as key access points for financial services in local communities.
Through the Maya Business App, the fintech company enables MSMEs to accept digital payments, track transactions, and manage business finances in one platform. The system is designed to simplify daily operations, improve cash flow visibility, and reduce reliance on cash-based transactions.
Eligible micro and small businesses can also access short-term credit through the platform, helping them manage working capital needs such as inventory restocking, utilities, and day-to-day expenses.