Maya, the Philippines’ #1 digital bank and fintech ecosystem, has partnered with retail chain Ultra Mega and connectivity provider GoodApps to advance digital financial inclusion for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with a strong focus on sari-sari stores.
The tripartite collaboration aims to empower over 100,000 retailers in Ultra Mega’s distribution network by providing access to financing, digital tools, and connectivity solutions that help businesses grow and thrive in today’s evolving economy.
“Sari-sari stores are more than just neighborhood shops they’re vital to our economy and daily life. By combining financial services, digital tools, and on-the-ground support, we’re helping these micro-entrepreneurs become more resilient and future-ready,” said Khurram Malik, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Maya.
“This collaboration is about rethinking how credit reaches the underserved. We’re using technology and real business activity not just paperwork to unlock access to responsible financing for the country’s smallest but most essential businesses,” said Angelo Madrid, Maya Bank President.
Maya will offer credit to eligible MSMEs through Maya Advance, its financing product powered by Maya Bank, available via the Maya Business App. By leveraging Maya’s AI-driven credit and risk models, sari-sari store owners and micro-retailers can access working capital based on their business activity without collateral or lengthy paperwork, following a standard merchant account screening process.
“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, through its LokalWifi initiative, will offer community Wi-Fi packages to participating MSMEs, creating new revenue-generating opportunities for sari-sari stores, while helping to bridge the digital divide at the grassroots level. These Wi-Fi solutions are also presented as a practical use-case for the loans accessed through Maya.
“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.”
By combining Maya’s financial technology, Ultra Mega’s retail reach, and GoodApps’ connectivity solutions, the partnership delivers an integrated model for grassroots economic empowerment. It supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ push for greater financial inclusion, while also accelerating the digitalization of the country’s MSME sector.
