Maya—the Philippines’ top digital bank and fintech platform—has joined forces with retail giant Ultra Mega and community connectivity provider GoodApps to uplift sari-sari stores through innovative financial and digital solutions.
This powerful alliance targets more than 100,000 micro-retailers within Ultra Mega’s distribution network, aiming to arm them with access to financing, smart digital tools, and vital internet connectivity. It’s a mission rooted in a shared vision: turning every sari-sari store into a future-ready micro-enterprise at the heart of the Filipino community.
Empowering the “Tindahan” Economy
Sari-sari stores are more than just convenient stops for snacks or sundries—they are microeconomic engines, often operating without access to formal banking or financing. Khurram Malik, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Maya, underscores their importance:
“Sari-sari stores are more than just neighborhood shops—they’re vital to our economy and daily life. By combining financial services, digital tools, and on-the-ground support, we’re helping these micro-entrepreneurs become more resilient and future-ready.”
Through the Maya Business App, eligible store owners can now tap into Maya Advance, a hassle-free working capital solution powered by Maya Bank. Instead of relying on conventional collateral-based lending, Maya’s AI-powered credit models evaluate real-time business activity to extend responsible financing—no mountains of paperwork, just meaningful progress.
Retail + Digital = Real Change
Ultra Mega’s role goes far beyond product distribution. The company sees itself as a bridge to new opportunities.
“We believe in creating real, practical support for our partner retailers,” shares Julie Lim, VP for Operations at Ultra Mega. “By working with Maya and GoodApps, we’re delivering more than just products—we’re opening doors to financing, digital adoption, and new revenue streams for our communities.”
With digital integration as a central pillar of this collaboration, sari-sari store owners aren’t just keeping up—they’re stepping ahead.
Wi-Fi That Works for Communities
GoodApps, through its LokalWifi initiative, is turning sari-sari stores into connectivity hotspots. With community Wi-Fi packages, store owners can now offer affordable internet access to neighbors, creating an entirely new revenue stream.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury, it’s a lifeline,” says Brezhnev Tero, COO of GoodApps. “With LokalWifi, we’re helping small store owners transform into community hubs by offering affordable Wi-Fi access while building sustainable income.”
For many stores, investing in LokalWifi will be one of the first practical uses for their Maya-financed credit line—making the entire solution ecosystem tightly interconnected.
A Win for Inclusive Growth
This tripartite partnership—uniting fintech, retail distribution, and digital connectivity—marks a milestone in inclusive economic development. It aligns with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ push for broader financial inclusion while fast-tracking the digitalization of the MSME sector.
In a world where access is everything, Maya, Ultra Mega, and GoodApps are making sure even the smallest businesses have the tools to thrive, compete, and connect—one sari-sari store at a time.
