Digital financial services provider Maya has partnered with SPARK! Philippines (Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran Inc.), a non-profit organization advancing gender-responsive policies and women’s leadership, to strengthen support for women micro-entrepreneurs, combining financing tools with training, mentorship, and advocacy.
The collaboration forms part of Maya’s flagship sustainability initiative focused on women’s financing under its broader financial health agenda. While Maya continues to expand access to digital payments, savings and credit for women-led micro businesses, it is tapping SPARK! Philippines to provide complementary, community-based support.
“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.”
“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.”
Women play a central role in the Philippine MSME sector, with various studies indicating that more than half of small businesses are owned or led by women. Women also account for a significant share of new business formation in the country.
Despite this, gaps persist. A 2023 study by the Asian Development Bank found only 28% of women-led MSMEs adopt digital financial services, compared to 44% of male-led firms.
Maya said its own network highlights untapped potential, with over 90% of its nationwide Maya Centers operated by women, many running sari-sari stores.
Through the Maya Business app, the company enables MSMEs to accept payments, manage transactions and access credit—helping improve cash flow and support day-to-day operations.
The partnership between Maya and SPARK! Philippines underscores Maya’s approach to financial health—broadening access to financial services while ensuring women entrepreneurs can use them to grow their businesses and build more resilient livelihoods.
