SME Academy Resources
In cooperation with the IFC, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s (RCBC) has designed a program that provides non-collateral loans for BPW Makati Members up to PHP 300,000 (approx. 6,800 USD) for the purpose of maintaining or expanding their businesses. The program also offers loan maternity benefits, networking events, a savings program, and forums on women’s health care and entrepreneurship.
Founded in 2006, NEW is a group of women who meet to exchange business ideas, share experiences and network. The Facebook page has over 3,000 likes. For an annual membership fee of PHP 2,500 (approximately $ 56 USD), NEW offers monthly mentoring sessions on specific issues such as entrepreneurship, labor, marketing, accounting, and networking. Members also receive discounts on activities, media referrals and advertising credits.
CARD MRI provides microfinance and engages in community-based activities to alleviate poverty and otherwise improve the lives of socially and economically challenged women and families. Begun in 1986 as a social development foundation, CARD MRI has since reorganized as a group of mutually reinforcing institutions. The CARD MRI network reaches many regions of the Philippines. Since January 2015, CARD MRI has served over 2.6 million clients, and in January 2015 there were around 1.5 million active clients with loans. CARD MRI employs 9,932 people and operates 1,647 offices.
Launched in 2003, Innolab is a place for PLDT customers to develop innovative ICT products and business solutions. It is a venue for testing and simulation of ICT products and services, learning through demos and hands-on experiences, training and education, and research, development, and collaboration. Innolabs currently operate in Baguio, Manila, Subic, Clark, Davao, and Cebu.
BPW Makati is the local chapter of international NGO Business & Professional Women International. Its mission is to promote gender equality, serve as a platform for exchange and cooperation, enhance women’s professional capabilities and global vision, empower women, and encourage their participation and attention on domestic developments and international affairs. BPW Makati’s central advocacy initiative is “Women Stepping Up PH”, which helps female professionals step up to leadership roles.
WomenBizPH ‘s 30 active members represent the Philippines’ top women business leaders and entrepreneurs. The group seeks to enhance women’s access to finance, generate benchmark data on women in business, and promote entrepreneurship. Activities include policy advocacy, networking, and business matching.
This NGO aims for improved access to resources and strategic participation in programs that will lead to economically empowered and politically engaged women. SPARK also works toward inclusive policy and practices, gender-responsive financial and political commitments, stronger partnerships and networks among different women’s groups and organizations. SPARK also mentors the next generation of women and engages men to advocate and support women’s issues.
This local chapter of a LinkedIn professional group provides (1) a platform for successful businesswomen to showcase their achievements; (2) role models for younger women; (3) opportunities for successful women to pass along their experiences and knowledge; and (4) other networking opportunities. Comprised of nearly 300 members, the organization delivers relevant and timely dialogue on management issues, as well as discussions on topical business and economic issues.
The SME Development Center, based in Yangon, was established to serve the vast majority of all businesses in Myanmar that are micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. It is in its infancy in terms of the services it provides, but it aims to be a meaningful resource in the future. Implement-ing programs that are typically supported by the donor community, the Department will offer training and capacity-building services for small businesses, including on topics such as financial management, technology-related opportunities, consumer protection, and intellectual property. The Department also advises new enterprises – at least half which are formed by women – on the complex matter of formal registration. Under the law (including the 2015 SME law; a 2011 law on cottage industries; and the 1990 private industry law), there are at least three different systems for business registration, depending on the size and nature of the firm. The SME Development Center also aims to assume a lending function. In 2014, the Ministry of Industry signed a memo-randum of understanding with overseas lenders that secures $20 million USD from Singapore and Vietnam, to be paid back at a rate of four percent. The SME Development Center will loan to My-anmar businesses at a rate between 6 and 8.5 percent, according to news reports.
The Ministry of Cooperatives is charged with registering and overseeing “cottage” enterprises – that is, very small firms, typically family owned, consisting of fewer than 10 workers. The Ministry also oversees the microlending functions of some cooperatives. In 2014, the Ministry reportedly budgeted MMK 50 billion (USD $51.8 million) to support microfinance, specifically in the coun-try’s agricultural sector. Interest charged on loans was anticipated to be 1.5 percent per month. The funds are reportedly sourced from a loan that Myanmar received from China in 2013.