As Local Businesses Grow, Digital Tools Help Stay Flexible Amid Changing Customer Behavior

For many small and medium-sized businesses today, growth no longer follows a single path. Some expand through new branches, while others build their customer base by moving between pop-ups and bazaars. As they grow, they’re also finding ways to ensure they meet the evolving habits and preferences of consumers – including the way they pay.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 2025 showed that QR Ph person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions grew by 246.9% in volume, reaching 183.3M transactions from 52.8M only in 2024. Transaction value also grew by 211.3%, reaching ₱926.1 billion from ₱297.5 billion the previous year. 

As digital payments become increasingly embedded in everyday transactions, SMEs are quickly discovering that growth also means needing to adapt their operations to keep pace with how customers want to transact and ensuring payments don’t become a barrier to their growth. 

Visa and UMSI advance financial inclusion with new payment innovation for Filipino SMEs

UMSI has launched U Accept, an innovation powered by Visa that transforms a smartphone into a digital payment acceptance tool, enabling micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines to receive card and other contactless payment methods

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, and USSC Money Services, Inc. (UMSI), one of the largest one-stop shops for financial services in the Philippines, are ushering in a new era of payments digitalization with the launch of U Accept, an innovative payment solution that empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to securely accept contactless card payments using an eligible smartphone.

Visa strengthens financial inclusion for Filipino SMEs with innovative payment solutions

Visa is aiming to expand access to credit for Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which, despite their economic contribution, continue to face barriers to participation in formal financial systems

Visa, a world leader in digital payments is looking to expand support for Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which, despite their economic contribution, still face significant barriers to financial inclusion and growth. While making up more than 99% of all business enterprises in the country and generating 66% of total employment, SMEs in the Philippines continue to face significant challenges, including access to funding. 

Visa and CIMB Bank Philippines Sign Exclusive SME Debit Card Deal

Delivering seamless, secure, and innovative payment solutions for SMEs in the Philippines 

From Left: Suraj Ramchandani, Chief Growth Officer, CIMB; Ankur Sehgal, Chief Business and Strategy Officer, CIMB; Vijay Manoharan, CEO, CIMB; Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager, Visa Philippines; Sid Bada, Senior Business Development Lead, Visa Philippines; Oliver Ornido, Director and Account Executive, Visa Philippines.

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, and CIMB Bank Philippines, the most-awarded digital-only commercial bank in the country and The Asian Banker’s Best Digital Bank in the Philippines for 2025, have announced an exclusive partnership aimed at enhancing financial solutions for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines. The signing ceremony, attended by senior officials from both Visa and CIMB Bank Philippines, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration that began in 2023.

Investree Philippines marks third anniversary, celebrates notable growth of SMEs served

Investree Philippines marks its third anniversary with a new high after recording a 2,500 percent increase in the number of SMEs served since its launch in 2020. In celebration of this milestone, the first crowdfunding intermediary and funding platform in the Philippines has launched its SME: The Heart of Investree campaign, which bolsters the group’s mission to improve the accessibility and affordability of working capital for small and medium businesses in the country.

Globe Business to Filipino SMEs: Tuloy Tayo!

Empowering businesses to forge ahead fearlessly into the digital future

Every business that has survived and beaten the pandemic odds carries an inspiring story of creativity, grit, and resilience worthy of recognition.

By capturing and telling these stories, Globe Business honors the local micro, small and medium business owners through this year’s Saludo SMEs campaign, cheering them on with the message “Through The Changing Times, Tuloy Tayo!”, and supporting them as a trusted partner does so that they can confidently move their business forward.

2016 SikatPinoy National Trade Fair Give the Best of the Philippines this Christmas

Lighting of the special setting to mark the official opening of the Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair. In the photo are (from left): Hon. Jocelyn Limkaichong, 1st district representative of Negros Oriental ; Asec. Christopher Naga (ROG) ; Director Rhodora Leano, Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion.

Looking for Christmas gifts that are unique and meaningful, yet affordable? Do you want to share your Christmas blessings by supporting the livelihoods of home-grown small and medium entrepreneurs? Do you want to help provide employment to our countrymen in the provinces, and preserve our heritage crafts?