Franchise Talk: Microlending Is a Growing Industry. Here are…

In the Philippines, microlending is one of the most popular lending systems especially among micro and small entrepreneurs. Microlending allows borrowers to lend a small sum of money, usually ranging from Php 15,000 and below with no collateral involved. Unlike banks, which would require more paperwork and collateral from SMEs, microlending institutions are more accessible for them.

Filipinos prefer private lenders for having faster transactions, fewer requirements and quick cash disbursement compared to banks. This large underserved market has given rise to new franchise players transforming the micro-lending market through franchising.

Franchise Fee: Php 400,000 

Total Investment: PHP 2.9M – 3.5M 

After three years of a successful micro-lending business in the Bicol region, LT&G Credit Line entered the next level of industry leadership—it has become the first micro-lending franchise in the Philippines.

The company started small in 2015, providing business capital to sari-sari stores, eateries, vulcanizing shops, vending wares and handicrafts shops, and the like. With the well-designed products, friendlier credit terms, and satisfaction of its clients, LT&G Credit Line has grown fast and competitive over the years. Borrowers are enjoying their customized loans for their business expansion, risk-handling insurance, and most especially, its efficient credit management system.

Micro-enterprises make up around 90 percent of all businesses in the Philippines, where a huge number find difficulty in accessing bank loans. This government statistic, matched with the company’s passion to help in sustainably growing as many small businesses as possible, prompted LT&G Credit Line to open doors for a rewarding business partnership with others through franchising.

LT&G Credit Line owns four branches in Bicol, and after just a year of franchising, already has over 50 stores all over the Philippines.

Franchise Fee: Php 380,000 

Total Investment: starting from Php 2,500,000

Given the demand for microlending, EQGrant Lending Corp. provides fast and hassle-free business loans with flexible payment terms for SMEs to successfully strengthen and grow their businesses. It is also a recession-proof industry that does well no matter what time of the year and does even better during times of financial crunch.

Since it was established in 2014, EQGrant has served over 20,000 clients in the CALABARZON area, with the aim to empower micro, small and medium entrepreneurs by helping them access credit for their income generating activity and become social investors in community development.

What makes EQGrant different from other microlending concepts is their innovative lending packages, such as having less deducted interest upfront. Their proprietary software also makes it easy for franchisees to set up and manage their own, as franchisees can access the information they need anytime, anywhere. Not only that, the team behind EQGrant combined their collective background and extensive history in the lending industry to come up with a system that is easy to audit and check. Franchisees can rely on their auditing expertise to check that their resources are being properly managed by their staff.

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U-Franchise Sales & Management is a free franchise matching service that has helped thousands of Filipinos find the right franchise. To find the right franchise opportunity, visit www.ufranchiseasia.com, email franchising@ufranchiseasia.com or call (+63917) 881.69.99. 

Chris Lim is the CMO of Francorp Philippines (francorp.com.ph); President of U-Franchise Sales & Management (www.ufranchiseasia.com); Chairperson and Director for Special Projects, ASEAN Integration-Philippine Franchise Association