MSME Loans in the Philippines to Finance Your Business Needs

What should Filipino entrepreneurs do to keep their businesses afloat in these financially challenging times?

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) account for 99.5% of the total establishments and 62.8% of the total labor force in the Philippines. Moreover, they contribute 35.7% of the total value added to the Philippine economy.^[1] But because of difficulties in accessing credit and financial programs, MSMEs don’t always achieve their full potential.

That’s where MSME loans in the Philippines come in. Here are some government and bank loan options for existing or aspiring owners of micro, small, or medium enterprises who need funds to start, grow, or revive their businesses.

MSME Loans in the Philippines: 7 Government Loan Programs

Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso (P3)

msme loans in the philippines - p3 loan

Who can apply: Cooperative members and micro-entrepreneurs such as stall owners, sari-sari store owners, and market vendors
Loan amount: ₱5,000 to ₱200,000
Interest rate: Up to 2.5% per month

How to Apply for a P3 Loan

To file your P3 Loan application,^[2] submit the following requirements to the nearest partner microfinance institution (MFI) or credit delivery partner of Small Business Corporation (SB Corp):

Accomplished application form (can be obtained from the MFI)
Barangay/Municipal Business Permit
Photocopy of any valid government-issued ID
ID photo
DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration (for loan applications exceeding ₱50,000)

Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) Loan Programs

The Agricultural Credit Policy Council by the Department of Agriculture aims to offer loans through the KAYA, ANYO, and SURE programs. It finances working capital or fixed asset acquisition requirements of startups or existing agri-based projects of agri-fishery graduates and young entrepreneurs.^[3]

A. Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs (KAYA) Loan Program

Who can apply for the KAYA Loan Program

Agripreneurs aged 18 to 30 years old
Graduates of an agri-fishery-related diploma or training course
Registered in the Registry for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) or the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS)

KAYA Loan Program Benefits

Loan amount: Up to ₱500,000
Payable for up to five years
No interest

KAYA Loan Program Requirements

Government-issued photo-bearing ID
Accomplished loan application form
Simple business plan
Certificate of Agri-Fishery Related Course/Training

B. Agri-Negosyo (ANYO) Loan Program

Through the ANYO program, you can borrow money to fund your production, distribution, or acquisition of machinery and equipment. You can also use it for other loan purposes such as processing, marketing, and construction of facilities.

Who can apply for ANYO Loan Program

Small farmers and fisherfolk
Overseas Filipino Workers
Micro and Small Enterprises (single proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, associations/cooperatives
Farmer and fisherfolk organizations and association

ANYO Loan Program Benefits

Loan amount: Up to ₱300,000 for eligible individuals / ₱15 million for registered MSEs
Zero interest
No collateral
Loan tenor of up to five years

C. Expanded Survival and Recovery (SURE) Aid Loan Assistance

The SURE loan assistance offers working capital loans to agri-fishery and livestock MSEs and cooperatives and associations.

SURE Program Benefits

Loan amount: Up to ₱10 million
No interest
Loan tenor of up to five years

💼 Launch or Expand Your Small Business With an #UNOnow Loan

Ready to start or grow your small business? If you're planning to secure funds to buy inventory, pay for a bigger space, or hire employees, check out what UNO Digital Bank has to offer.

With an #UNOnow Loan, you can borrow funds starting at ₱10,000 up to ₱500,000 with a monthly interest rate of 2%. You can pay it back in six, 12, 18, 24, or 36 monthly installments.

Apply for an UNONow Loan via Moneymax now!

Livelihood Seeding Program/Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay

This program caters to microenterprises located in priority barangays in the least developed areas.

Who can apply: Micro entrepreneurs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

Livelihood Seeding Program Benefits

₱5,000 to ₱15,000 financial assistance
Enterprise development training
Business counseling/mentoring

How to Apply for the Livelihood Seeding Program

To avail of this government assistance,^[4] go to your barangay/city/municipal hall. Express your interest and inquire about how to join the program. You can also send an inquiry to bsmed@dti.gov.ph.

DOLE Integrated Livelihood/Kabuhayan Program

The DOLE Kabuhayan Program seeks to assist vulnerable and marginalized groups such as senior citizens, PWDs, and solo parents in building their livelihoods through individual or group undertakings.^[5]

Who can apply for DOLE Kabuhayan Program

Marginalized fisherfolk
Women and youth
Parents or guardians of laborers
Indigenous people
Elderly workers
Displaced workers
Working persons with disability
Low/minimum wage earners or seasonal works
Rebel returnees

Kabuhayan Program Benefits

Starter Kit/Nego-Kart or up to ₱20,000, depending on the project requirement
Financial assistance of ₱500,000 to ₱1 million for group projects

How to Apply for the Kabuhayan Program

Submit an application letter, business financial plan or project proposal, and a beneficiary profile with a picture to any DOLE-accredited co-partner in your area.

RISE UP Loan Program

The RISE UP (Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable Enterprises, Unleash Your Potential with SB Corp.) loan program replaced the Bayanihan CARES (COVID-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises), which ended in January 2022.^[6]

RISE UP has three kinds of loans: the Multi-Purpose Loan for all enterprises, the Tindahan Loan for sari-sari and grocery stores, and the Turismo Loan for tourism enterprises.

RISE UP Multi-Purpose Loan

One of the loans for SMEs you can avail of is the RISE UP Multi-Purpose Loan. It aims to provide easily accessible multi-purpose loans with affordable terms. It caters to existing SBCorp clients and multi-sectoral MSMEs.

A. Micro Multi-Purpose Loan

For multi-sectoral microenterprises
Up to ₱300,000 loan amount
Loan term: Up to three years (inclusive of grace period)
12% interest rate p.a. based on diminishing balance (exclusive of DST)

Micro Multi-Purpose Loan Requirements

Business track record of at least one year
Government-issued ID
Barangay Certification (for loans not more than ₱100,000)
BMBE Certificate/Mayor’s Permit (for loans more than ₱100,000)
Photos/videos of business operations and assets
Other corporate documents, if applicable

B. SME Multi-Purpose Loan First Timers

For multi-sectoral SMEs and first-time borrowers
Loan amount: Up to ₱2 million
Loan term: Up to three years (inclusive of grace period)
12% interest rate p.a. based on diminishing balance (exclusive of DST)

SME Multi-Purpose Loan First Timers Requirements

Business track record of at least one year
Government-issued ID
BMBE Certificate/Mayor’s Permit (for loans more than ₱100,000)
BIR-filed Financial Statement for the prior year reflecting positive net income
BIR-filed FS for earlier two years; other proof of sales and/or assets
Other corporate documents and proof of sales/assets

C. SME Multi-Purpose Loan Suki Features

For existing SBCorp borrowers in good standing with at least six months' repayment track record
Loan amount: Up to ₱5 to ₱10 million
Loan term of up to five years (inclusive of grace period)
8% to 12% interest p.a. based on diminishing balance (exclusive of DST)

SME Multi-Purpose Loan Suki Requirements

Existing borrowers of SBCorp are automatically qualified
Proof of sales (including bank statements)
In-house Financial Statement (FS)
BIR-filed FS (for loans exceeding ₱3 million)
Proof of ownership and government valuation of real estate assets to secure the loan
Proof of Value of Asset (for fixed asset acquisition)
Collateral (for loans exceeding ₱5 million)

RISE UP Turismo

Primary and secondary tourism enterprises and tourism support services may apply for the RISE UP Turismo Loan.

Primary Tourism Enterprises must be accredited by the DOT, which include the following:

Hotels
Resorts
Apartment hotels
Mabuhay accommodations
MICE facilities and organizers
Travel and tour agencies
Adventure, sports, and eco facilities

Meanwhile, DOT accreditation for Secondary Tourism Enterprises is optional. These enterprises include the following:

Restaurants
Galleries and museums
Spas
Zoos
Tourism recreation and entertainment centers
Tourist shops
Tourism training centers
Agri tourism farm sites

Tourism support services must be located in focused tourism destinations to qualify for the RISE UP Turista loan. Tourism support services include:

Fast food places
Eateries
Coffee and beverage shops
Bake shops
Food vendors and producers
Hair salons
Gyms and health clubs

A. Micro Turismo Loan

Loan amount: ₱50,000 to ₱300,000
Loan term: Up to four years (inclusive of grace period)
One-time service: 4% to 8%

B. SME Turismo Loan

Loan amount: Up to ₱5 million
Loan term: Up to four years (inclusive of grace period)
One-time service fee: 4% to 8%

RISE UP Turismo Loan Requirements

Business track record of at least one year
Government-issued ID
Barangay Certification (for loans not more than ₱100,000)
BMBE Certificate/Mayor’s Permit (for loans more than ₱100,000)
Photos/videos of business operations and assets
Other corporate documents, if applicable

RISE UP Tindahan

This loan program caters to sari-sari and retail stores, as well as dealers and distributors from RISE UP’s partner FMCGs.

A. Micro Tindahan Loan

For sari-sari stores with FMCG accreditation
Loan amount: Up to ₱300,000
Loan term: Up to three years (inclusive of grace period)
Interest rate: 10% p.a. based on diminishing balance (exclusive of DST)

Micro Tindahan Loan Requirements

Business track record with FMCG of at least one year
Government-issued ID
Barangay Business Permit (for loans up to ₱100,000)
BMBE Certificate/Mayor’s Permit (for loans more than ₱100,000)
Photos/videos of business operations and assets
Other corporate documents, if applicable
FMCG Reference Number

B. SME Tindahan Loan

For retail stores, dealers, and distributors with FMCG accreditation
Loan amount: Up to ₱5 million
Loan term: Up to three years (inclusive of grace period)
Interest rate: 8% p.a. based on diminishing balance (exclusive of DST)

SME Tindahan Loan Requirements

Business track record with FMCG of at least one year (at least three years for loans above ₱1 million)
Government-issued ID
Mayor’s Permit
Other corporate documents, if applicable
FMCG Accreditation Number
Proof of Asset Size not exceeding ₱100 million
Photos/videos of business operations and assets

How to Apply for a RISE UP Loan

Go to SBCorp’s Borrower Registration System^[7] and click Create New Account.
If you're a new borrower, key in the required information in the fields and click Create Account.
Read the reminders on the pop-up window and click Proceed.
Another pop-up window will appear regarding creating passwords. Just close the window to proceed to the next step.
Verify the email sent to the email address you provided.
You can now apply for a loan on the BRS dashboard. Choose the loan program and the sub-program you're qualified for, and click Apply.
Depending on the loan program you select, confirm whether your business is DOT-accredited or provide the FMCG reference number or store ID. Click Submit.
Next, provide details for the prequalification section, including business information and how you want to receive the loan proceeds.
Verify your bank account details and note the required documents you must upload.
On the Preview page, upload your documentary requirements by clicking the Attach button.
Affix your digital signature using your mouse or phone screen. Click Submit.
You may download or print a copy of your accomplished loan application.
To check the status of your RISE UP loan application, log in to your BRS account and check for updates on the dashboard. Alternatively, you can email sbcorporation@sbcorp.gov.ph.

CARES for HEROES, TRAVEL, and STAPLES Program

The Bayanihan CARES Program was officially closed on January 31, 2022.^[8] But SBCorp still accepts applications for its special programs for specific segments: CARES for TRAVEL (for tourism establishments), HEROES (for displaced Overseas Foreign Workers), and STAPLES (for small dealers and retailers of consumer goods supply chain).

A. HEROES Program

Repatriated or returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who want to put up their own business can apply for this program. This MSME loan for new businesses offers the following benefits:

Loan amount: ₱30,000 to ₱100,000
One-year grace period
No collateral
No interest

Sign up^[9] and complete the Philippine Trade and Training Center (PTTC)’s one-day training. After your training for the HEROES Program, you can now prepare your documents for submission.

HEROES Program Requirements

Accomplished loan application form
Certificate of completion of the online training session by PTTC
OWWA Certification or proof of being a repatriated OFW
Government-issued ID with photo
Scanned copy of passport
DTI certificate of registration
AVP of Business Plan

B. CARES for TRAVEL (Tourism Rehabilitation and Vitalization of Enterprises and Livelihood)

Filipino-owned, Department of Tourism-accredited MSMEs operating for at least one year can apply for CARES for TRAVEL.

msme loans in the philippines - cares for travel

CARES for TRAVEL Benefits

Loan amount: Up to ₱5 million
One-year grace period
No collateral
No interest

CARES for TRAVEL Requirements

For those with a BIR-filed financial statement, submit the following documents:

Most recent BIR-filed financial statements
Government-issued ID
Bank or electronic money account number
Corporate Secretary Certificate (for partnerships and corporations)

For loan applicants without BIR-filed financial statements, the requirements are as follows:

Government-issued ID
Bank or electronic money account number
Corporate Secretary Certificate (for partnerships and corporations)
Photos or videos of your business as proof of its financial status/condition
Most recent Barangay and Mayor’s Business Permit

C. CARES for STAPLES

Short for Sustaining Trade Access to Primary Food and Link to Enterprises, STAPLES aims to help food suppliers in the country maintain food affordability and sufficiency.

Through this financial assistance for small businesses in the Philippines, including retail stores, mini groceries, and consumer goods dealers, Filipinos can replenish their working capital and use the funds for other business needs.

How to Apply for CARES Program

Create your online account at SBCorp’s Borrower Registration System website by following the instructions and entering the required information.
You'll be redirected to the application page, where you'll provide your personal and business information.
Attach the required documents.
Click Finish.
An SBCorp Account Officer will contact you regarding your loan application.

Visit the SBCorp website for more information about these government loans in the Philippines and other programs and services available.

SETUP Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (DOST)

Wholly Filipino-owned MSMEs existing for at least three years in any of the following priority sectors can apply:

Food processing
Furniture
Gifts, decors, handicrafts
Agriculture/Marine/Aquaculture
Metals and Engineering
ICT
Pharmaceuticals, health, and wellness products

SETUP Benefits

Infusion of new and advanced technologies
Seed funds to acquire technology or upgrade equipment
Technical training, advisory, and consultancy services
Database information system
Support in product design, testing, and calibration

Some of the requirements you’ll need to prepare are the following:

Letter of intent
Comprehensive project proposal
Accomplished Application for Technology Needs Assessment Form
Copies of business permits and licenses
Certificate of registration of business name
Financial statements for the last three years

Check the complete list of requirements and learn how SETUP can help your business by visiting the DOST website.

MSME Loans in the Philippines from Other Lenders

msme loans in the philippines - other loans to consider

Got rejected for government loan programs in the Philippines or loans for MSMEs? Can't meet the strict eligibility and documentary loan requirements? Know that you have several alternatives at your disposal.

Consider getting an MSME business loan from a bank or private lender instead. Here are some recommendations.

UnionBank Personal Loan

Get the financial boost your business needs with a personal loan from UnionBank. You can quickly get the funding you need and pay it back in easy, affordable, and flexible terms.

Who Can Apply?

21 to 65 years old
Filipino resident or resident foreigner with a valid Philippine address
With a TIN
Principal credit cardholder
Gross annual income: At least ₱250,000

UnionBank Personal Loan Benefits

Approval in as fast as 24 hours
Loan amount: Up to ₱2 million
No collateral
No guarantor
Loan tenor of up to five years
A welcome gift for approved application through Moneymax

UnionBank Personal Loan Requirements

Valid photo-bearing ID with signature
For employed applicants:

Latest 1-month payslip or Certificate of Employment with Salary (issued within the last two months)
Latest ITR

For self-employed applicants:

Latest ITR (BIR Form 1701) and Audited Financial Statements for self-employed applicants

Accomplished Online Personal Loan Application Form

Apply for a UnionBank personal loan via Moneymax

Radiowealth Finance (RFC) Loan

Whether it's to start a business or strengthen your business operations, Radiowealth Finance can provide solutions to your business's financial challenges.

Who Can Apply for an RFC Loan?

At least 21 years old
Residing in current address for at least two years (except for new homeowners)
Business must be operating for at least one year (for self-employed applicants)
Must have a tenure of at least one year with the current employer
Monthly income: At least ₱18,000

Radiowealth Finance Loan Benefits

Loan amount: Up to ₱3 million
Quick processing time
Loan tenor of up to 36 months

Radiowealth Finance Loan Requirements

Two valid IDs (at least one government-issued ID)
Latest three payslips
Certificate of Employment
Residential, Business, or Employer address map
DTI or Business Permit (for business owners)

Security Bank SME Business Express Loan

This SME loan in the Philippines is an excellent option for business owners looking to finance their short-term needs. Purchase new equipment or get cash for your day-to-day operations with the SME Business Express Loan from Security Bank.

SME Express Loan Benefits

Minimum loan amount: ₱1 million
Maximum loan amount: ₱5 million
Payable in 12, 18, 24, and 36 months
Approval in as fast as five days
No application fees and collateral for loans of up to ₱5 million

Business Eligibility Requirements

Duly registered to operate in the Philippines
Must be operating for at least three years and profitable for the latest year
No outstanding debts that exceed 40% of the monthly income

Business Owner Eligibility Requirements

Must be an existing Security Bank account holder (at least six months with ₱50,000 ADB) or existing Security Bank credit cardholder
Philippine permanent resident
At least 21 years old during loan application but not more than 65 years old upon loan maturity

Final Thoughts

Get those MSME loan documents ready. This way, you can quickly send in your loan application form and get approved.

Your business should be operating for at least a year to be eligible for most of these MSME loans in the Philippines. So if your new business meets this requirement, you're one step closer to getting that MSME loan.

Personal loans can also be a source of funding for your MSME. Compare and apply for a personal loan through Moneymax―it’s easy and free!

Compare Other Personal Loans in the Philippines

Looking for more loan options? Below is a list of trusted personal loan companies and their loan features. Compare and apply through Moneymax now!

Provider	Loan Amount	Monthly Add-on Rate	Loan Term	Minimum Annual Income	Approval Time
UnionBank Personal Loan	Up to ₱2 million	26.9% per annum	12 to 60 months	₱250,000	As fast as 5 minutes
UNO Digital Bank Personal Loan	₱10,000 to ₱500,000	1.79% per month (corresponds to annual contractual rates or annual percentage rates ranging from 35.78% to 37.54%)	Six to 36 months	₱240,000	Five to seven banking days
Metrobank Personal Loan	₱20,000 to ₱2 million	1.25% to 1.75%	36 months	₱350,000	Seven banking days
BPI Personal Loan	₱20,000 to ₱3 million	Maximum annual contractual rate of 28.67%	12 to 36 months	Inquire with BPI	Five to seven banking days
Tonik Credit Builder	₱5,000 to ₱20,000	4.84%	Six to 12 months	Inquire with Tonik	Two banking days
Tala	₱1,000 to ₱25,000	0.43% daily	Up to 61 days	None	Five minutes to 24 hours
HSBC Personal Loan	₱30,000 to ₱500,000	0.65%	Six to 36 months	₱168,000	Five to seven banking days
CIMB Personal Loan	₱30,000 to ₱1 million	As low as 0.83%	12 to 60 months	₱180,000	One to two banking days
Maybank Personal Loan	Up to ₱1 million	1.3%	Up to 36 months	₱300,000	Inquire with Maybank
RCBC Bank Personal Loan	₱50,000 to ₱1 million	1.3%	Six to 36 months	₱360,000	5 to 7 banking days
PSBank Personal Loan	₱20,000 to ₱250,000	42.88% Effective Interest Rate per annum for a 24-month term (term loan) 41.29% Effective Interest Rate per annum for a 36-month term (Term Loan) 34.49% Effective Interest Rate per annum for 12 months (Revolving Loan	24 or 36 months	₱180,000	Five to nine banking days