SB Corp expands MSME lending push with Bicol roadshows

State-run Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), the financing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is ramping up its lending drive for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with back-to-back regional roadshows in Bicol this March.

As part of the 2026 DTI-SB Corp Regional Roadshow, the agency will bring on-site loan application and evaluation services to Sorsogon City on 5 March at The Clover Leaf Place, and to Naga City on 3 March at Robinsons Place Naga.

Improving access to capital for provincial entrepreneurs

The initiative forms part of SB Corp’s continuing effort to improve access to capital for provincial entrepreneurs by streamlining application procedures and bringing financing services closer to local businesses.

A similar Regional Roadshow & Loan Application Fair was recently held by the agency in Calbayog, Samar on 12 February, where additional business capital was extended to local entrepreneurs.

In all, 45 MSMEs submitted loan applications and received same-day loan approval services during the event.

Importance of additional capital

SB Corp Visayas Group Head Francisco Buenavidez and DTI-Samar Senior Trade and Industry Specialist Josep Gabuay underscored the importance of additional capital in sustaining and growing small businesses during the Calbayog activity.

Through the roadshow, MSMEs may submit applications on-site and undergo initial assessment for working capital loans. Qualified applicants may secure approval for additional business funding, subject to compliance with documentary requirements.

Among the basic requirements are valid government-issued identification, DTI registration, proof of an active bank account, and digital documentation of business operations.

For loan applications exceeding P100,000, additional documents such as updated business permits and proof of a checking account are required.

Corporate borrowers, cooperatives, partnerships and one-person corporations must also submit relevant registration and authorization documents.

Regional outreach strengthened

SB Corp has been strengthening its regional outreach to ensure that MSMEs, particularly those outside major urban centers, gain better access to formal financing channels.

Interested applicants are encouraged to register online ahead of the scheduled roadshows.