DTI Loans PHP4.22M to Women-Led Businesses Nationwide

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has approved PHP4.22 million in loans for 24 women-owned businesses under the newly launched Women’s Enterprise Fund (WEF), aiming to scale up support for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (WMSMEs).

Through its financing arm Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), the DTI will formally release the initial disbursement to 10 pioneering recipients on July 10.

The first batch of loan beneficiaries includes Appleseed Montessori Inc., Soyuz Foods International Inc., Tejeron Burgatory Coal Grilled Burger Station, Essiense Pharmacy, and Stimula Productions Inc.—each receiving PHP1 million.

Other recipients include Aqua Freight Cargo Services (PHP850,000), Wix Manila (PHP800,000), Maxi Food Hub (PHP750,000), Ciavinmar Enterprises (PHP300,000), and Jonnah JE Trucking Services (PHP300,000).

This release is part of an initial PHP8 million disbursement under SBCorp’s RISE UP program, now incorporated into the broader WEF initiative.

Most early loan recipients are in the trade and services sector, covering retail shops, beauty salons, restaurants, cafes, and pharmacies.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the loan demand signals a strong appetite among women entrepreneurs for growth capital.

“This demand demonstrates that women entrepreneurs are poised for growth. They just need access to the right tools,” Roque said.

“We encourage more women-led enterprises to take advantage of this dedicated facility. The government is here to provide not just financing, but a fast and focused support system to help them thrive,” she added.

Launched on June 27, the WEF provides loans of up to PHP20 million with a 1 percent monthly interest rate on a diminishing balance and repayment terms of up to five years.

SBCorp has earmarked PHP1 billion for the WEF to create a special fast lane for WMSMEs, ensuring timely access to capital under various SBCorp programs.

This fast lane is also integrated into other financing facilities, such as the Franchising Loan Facility, Purchase Order Financing, and Business Expansion Financing.

The initiative aims to strengthen women’s participation in the economy by addressing one of their biggest barriers—access to affordable credit.

Loan beneficiary Kathryn Fanlo of the Kathryn Fanlo Fashion Collection said the program helped her launch her store and secure materials.

“Very easy ‘yung loan application, and at the same time, for MSMEs like me, okay ‘yung loan kasi compared sa bank, mas maliit ‘yung interest percentage at mas friendly ‘yung terms. It helped me with the capital for opening the shop and purchasing materials,” Fanlo said.

Another recipient, Jocelyn Reyes of Joyful Garden Farm Organic Farmer’s Association Inc., said the support gave her business a crucial lift.

“We are so blessed na naging part po kami ng inyong programa. Nakatulong ito sa amin para mas lalo kaming lumago. Because of that amount, nadadagdagan ang aming working capital para mapagpatuloy at mapalago pa ang aming hanapbuhay,” Reyes said.

Interested women entrepreneurs may apply online via www.brs.sbcorp.ph by submitting a valid ID, business permit, bank details, and photos of their business operations.