Meeting SMEs Where They Are

Running a small or medium enterprise (SME) in the Philippines is often a balancing act between ambition and constraint, opportunity and uncertainty. Entrepreneurs face a familiar set of challenges: limited access to financing, pressure to expand, and a lack of technical support. For many, the journey is marked by long hours, lean margins, and the constant need to adapt.

These hurdles aren’t new, but they’ve become more acute in a fast-changing economy. Traditional business financing models, while robust, haven’t always been designed with SME realities in mind. Long approval cycles, rigid credit requirements, and the need to physically visit branches can slow down momentum. This is especially true for businesses operating outside major urban centers.

At BPI Business Banking, we’ve chosen a different path. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, we’ve crafted a strategy grounded in empathy that helps us deeply understand what SMEs truly need. This human-centered approach allows us to design tools and support systems that meet businesses where they are, empowering us to deliver award-winning solutions and earning recognitions* as the best SME bank in the Philippines.

We know that applying for a loan can feel overwhelming, especially when time is tight and mobility is limited. This motivated us to create Ka-Negosyo On The Go (KNOTG), a fully online loan application platform that puts financing within reach. With features like a Product Finder, Eligibility Checker, and loan calculator, as well as pioneering the use of DocuSign for loan documents, KNOTG helps SMEs make informed decisions at their own pace. And while KNOTG is fully online, we still assign a BPI representative to guide each applicant through the next steps. 

Thousands of entrepreneurs across the country have used KNOTG to explore financing options—often for the first time. We believe that accessibility, when intentionally designed, can ease the burden of decision-making and open doors to growth.

Managing finances shouldn’t be a daily struggle. Tools like BPI BizLink help streamline payments, fund transfers, and account management for SMEs. Flexibility is also built into Ka-Negosyo Loans, which are available with or without collateral depending on business needs. For example, with Ka-Negosyo Credit Line, business owners can check their available balance and draw funds directly through the BPI Mobile app, using a BPI Debit Card or BPI Checks. Whether it’s withdrawing cash at an ATM, initiating bank transfers, or covering urgent cash flow needs, these actions can be done instantly, giving SMEs greater control over their capital, right when they need it.

Recognizing that many Filipino businesses are excluded from traditional lending due to limited formal documentation, BPI has introduced simplified, pre-qualified loan application processes backed by predictive data models and alternative credit assessments. These tools have helped expand access to financing for underserved yet credit-worthy SMEs.

These aren’t just upgrades. They’re practical responses to everyday business realities.

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road. That’s why BPI has created spaces for learning and connection. Through BizTalk, Ka-Nego Talk, and Ka-Negososyo sessions, entrepreneurs gain insights from industry experts and build relationships with fellow business owners. On social media, bite-sized crash courses on topics like cash flow management offer accessible learning for busy teams.

Looking ahead, the question isn’t just how technology can make banking faster—but how it can make it feel more human. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence present opportunities to anticipate needs, offer timely support, and make banking more intuitive.

For BPI Business Banking, the goal isn’t automation for its own sake. It’s about using technology to deepen relationships. We believe empathy is a skill that can be scaled with the right tools. Whether it’s guiding a first-time borrower through a complex decision or proactively offering support before a challenge arises, evolving innovations can bring care into every interaction. 

This intersection, where innovation meets understanding, is where the future of SME banking lies. And as long as there’s an entrepreneur striving to build something meaningful, we’ll keep working to meet them where they are, consistently, thoughtfully, and with purpose.

*BPI received multiple accolades, including "Best Bank for SMEs in the Philippines" at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, "Best Small Business Banking Service in the Philippines" from The Asian Banker Awards 2025, and "Best SME Bank in the Philippines" from Alpha Southeast Asia Best FI Awards 2025 and Global Finance SME Bank Awards 2025. Our digital innovation, Ka-Negosyo On The Go, was also honored with the "Outstanding Digital CX – SME Loans" award at the 2025 Digital Banker CX Awards.