From Backyard to Business Growth: A Mom’s Journey with Business Loans

Running a business and raising a family isn’t just multitasking—it’s a masterclass in resilience.

Insights and blogs

Aug 08, 2025

Running a business and raising a family isn’t just multitasking—it’s a masterclass in resilience. For Karen Mercado, founder of Kingmerbi Corporation, every day brought a new challenge: growing a small egg business into a reliable supplier across North Luzon while ensuring her kids got the love, time, and stability they needed.

It was never just about profit. It was about purpose and providing for her family in a meaningful, lasting way.

A Fertile Ground with Big Potential

Karen’s business journey began in 2016 with a single question, “What if we could build a business that not only supported our family but also contributed to local food security?”

Inspired by her family's roots in agriculture, she launched Kingmerbi as a small backyard operation. Over time, it transformed into a full-fledged company that now provides fresh, high-quality eggs to supermarkets, food manufacturers, bakeries, and restaurants across the region.

But as demand grew, so did the growing pains.“Cash flow was always tight, especially during growth periods. We had the demand, but not always the funds to scale—whether for additional inventory, better equipment, or more staff.”

Like many small business owners, Karen leaned on savings and support from relatives. But she quickly realized that wasn’t a long-term solution.

Karen Mercado, founder of Kingmerbi Corporation

Keeping Family Finances Intact

Karen knew that she needed to figure out how to grow more sustainably. That’s when she discovered BPI’s Ka-Negosyo Loans. “We reached a point where the demand was growing and our operations needed a serious upgrade. I realized that if we wanted to take the next step, we needed formal financing.”

She applied for a BPI Ka-Negosyo Loan tailored for working capital and equipment. The process, she recalls, felt personal and empowering. “The BPI team was supportive and really took the time to understand our business. They made the experience feel less intimidating.”

The loan didn’t just ease operations—it opened new doors. “We were finally able to meet demand without overextending ourselves. Our income grew, our operations became more efficient, and we even hired a few more team members.”

Beyond the business benefits, it brought a new level of control to her dual roles as a mom and entrepreneur. “It allowed me to keep household finances intact while using the loan strictly for business growth. That separation gave me peace of mind and better control over both.”

Incubating a Legacy

Creating robust processes for disaster readiness is essential for ensuring your business can bounce back quickly after unexpected events. With a well-crafted disaster recovery plan in place, your team will know exactly how to respond in an emergency, minimizing downtime and keeping operations on track.

The Ka-Negosyo SME Loan for Property Acquisition offers a convenient solution not just for acquiring new properties, but also for renovations or upgrades to your existing space. This ensures your business is better equipped to handle future challenges. This loan allows business owners to invest in properties with payments spread over a long period, making it easier to manage costs while the property generates profits for the business.