Maya, Ultra Mega, and GoodApps have joined forces to provide sari-sari stores (neighborhood stores) and other small businesses with access to credit, digital tools, and community Wi-Fi services, to strengthen grassroots economic activity.
“This collaboration is about rethinking how credit reaches the underserved,” said Angelo Madrid, president, Maya Bank. “We are using technology and real business activity, not just paperwork, to unlock access to responsible financing for the country’s smallest but most essential businesses.”
The partnership targets over 100,000 retailers in Ultra Mega’s distribution network. Through the Maya Business App, eligible sari-sari store owners can access Maya Advance, a loan product by Maya Bank. This lending program uses AI-driven credit and risk models to evaluate merchants based on actual business activity rather than traditional paperwork or collateral.
“Sari-sari stores are more than just neighborhood shops as they are vital to our economy and daily life,” said Khurram Malik, group chief commercial officer, Maya. “By combining financial services, digital tools, and on-the-ground support, we’re helping these micro-entrepreneurs become more resilient and future-ready.”
Ultra Mega, a retail distribution chain, sees the partnership as a way to provide practical tools to its retail partners.
“We believe in creating real, practical support for our partner retailers,” said Julie Lim, VP for Operations at Ultra Mega. “By working with Maya and GoodApps, we’re delivering more than just products, we’re opening doors to financing, digital adoption, and new revenue streams for our communities.”
GoodApps will roll out its LokalWifi initiative to offer community Wi-Fi packages to participating stores.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury; it’s a lifeline,” said Brezhnev Tero, chief operating officer of GoodApps. “With LokalWifi, we’re helping small store owners transform into community hubs by offering affordable Wi-Fi access while building sustainable income.”
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