No Pinoy SME Left Behind

In the Philippines, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are more than just businesses. They are the heartbeat of local communities, the engines of employment, and vital contributors to national resilience. Yet for many entrepreneurs, access to timely and appropriate financing remains a persistent hurdle. Geographic isolation, non-traditional financial footprints, and lengthy approval processes have long excluded deserving SMEs from the formal credit system.

The challenge isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about inclusion. And inclusion begins with understanding. For SMEs, financial support must be accessible, responsive, and attuned to the realities of how they operate. That’s why BPI Business Banking has prioritized systemic and practical innovations to bridge financing gaps, in our goal to become the best SME bank in the Philippines. Our award-winning solutions* are purposefully designed to break down barriers—empowering entrepreneurs to access bank loans and unlock their full growth potential.

One such system is Ka-Negosyo On The Go (KNOTG), a fully digital loan application platform designed to extend reach far beyond physical branches. It allows entrepreneurs to apply for Ka-Negosyo Loans from anywhere in the country.  Understanding that every peso and minute matters for Pinoy entrepreneurs, the platform helps them save time and money on commutes and paperwork queues. With built-in tools like a product finder and eligibility checker, KNOTG helps business owners explore their options before they apply for a business loan, making the process less intimidating and more transparent.

But access isn’t just about technology. Every online applicant is paired with a BPI representative who offers personalized guidance, ensuring that digital convenience is matched with human support. This hybrid model respects the need for speed while preserving the value of connection.

Support in their daily financial operations is just as essential. Through platforms like BPI BizLink, which serves SMEs, business owners can manage their day-to-day finances remotely, whether it’s transferring funds, paying suppliers, or monitoring cash flow.

Eligibility is another area where empathy-driven innovation has made a difference. Many SMEs operate informally, relying on daily deposits rather than traditional savings or documentation. These businesses often fall outside conventional lending criteria. 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.

While these efforts have led many Filipino SMEs to consider us as the best business bank in the Philippines, they aren’t about claiming leadership. They’re about meeting entrepreneurs where they are, and responding to what they need. Thousands of users have engaged with KNOTG, and SMEs have assessed their eligibility online. But behind every number is a grocery store owner, a provincial manufacturer, or a local food entrepreneur who now has a clearer path to growth.

Supporting SMEs means more than financing businesses. It means empowering the people who keep our economy alive and doing more to help them reach their full potential.

*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.