Developing women entrepreneurs through financial literacy at the grassroots level
Throughout the Philippines, women entrepreneurs play an important role in local economic sustainability. From sari-sari stores and karinderyas in neighboring businesses, women-led businesses make up a large part of the country’s micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.
However, despite their economic role, many women business owners continue to face barriers when it comes to legal funding, financial literacy, and digital tools.
This is what the Wais Tindera Caravan wants to talk. Ais GCash’s flagship financial education program, designed to equip small business owners and women entrepreneurs with knowledge of digital finance, proper lending, and sustainable business growth.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, GCash and its The lending arm of Fuse Financing, Inc., started its Women’s Month at the Commonwealth District 2 Gymnasium, Quezon City last March 8. The event brought together over 400 women-led MSMEs, local government representatives, and financial experts in a morning dedicated to financial literacy and business development.
Participants attended workshops covering important topics for small business owners such as budgeting, savings strategies, and proper borrowing.
The program also introduces digital financial tools that entrepreneurs can use to access legitimate lending services and manage their businesses effectively.
“It is very important that they be informed,” said Quezon City District 2 Councilor Aly Medalla. He then noted that the doubts of women entrepreneurs often arise due to the lack of information about the available financial resources.
“They’re already doing it every day, but to make sure it’s put together responsibly – that’s our responsibility. [as government officials].” Ms. Medalla added.
In Fuse Financing, Inc. Chief Product Officer and Head of Strategy for Baby Aquino, financial education plays an important role in enabling entrepreneurs to maximize opportunities.
“By learning about finance, it’s not just about giving them an opportunity to earn money,” said Ms. Aquino. “It also teaches them how to behave better.”
He went on to say that many female entrepreneurs are still facing challenges in finding financial tools.
“[Women] they are lagging behind in terms of acquiring knowledge [in] running businesses. That’s why we go to the roots,” he said.
Throughout the event, participants participated in a variety of activities, including workshops, discussions, interactive games, and raffle drawings.
Among the participants were Robelia Dell, a brother a merchant. Mrs. Dell shared that the program provided valuable information.
“Malaki ang naitutulong nito sa mga kamainen dahil may ang yang yang yang yang yang yang yang tidak. Nakakatulong din para sa mga gustong to start a business kung sila sila ng pangpuhunan,” he shared.
The Wais Tindera Caravan highlights the growing importance of financial inclusion in supporting small businesses, especially those led by women. By combining financial education with digital financial tools, the program aims to help entrepreneurs gain the confidence and resources they need to grow.
As the Wais Tindera Caravan continues to spread to different communities, GCash ensures that empowering women entrepreneurs with knowledge, access, and opportunity is not only good for business but also essential to building an inclusive and resilient local economy.
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