ARQ SME BDC (ARQ SME Mezzanine Business Development Company), a leading provider of financing solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), officially launched its new program, SheSecure, yesterday at KMC Pro-Working Space in Makati City. SheSecure is a gender lens investment product designed to empower women-owned and led businesses by providing them with access to capital, capacity building initiatives, and incentives for promoting gender equality within their organizations.
SheSecure offers financing solutions ranging from Php 10 million to Php 30 million in credit facilities with flexible repayment terms. Businesses can benefit from competitive interest rates and potential interest rebates of up to 2% per annum for achieving specific gender equality milestones within the company. The program caters to growing women-led businesses with total assets between Php 35 million and Php 100 million, or an annualized revenue of Php 50 million, with up to 250 employees. Businesses can be either 50% women-owned or have at least 30% women representation in senior management or board positions.
The SheSecure program extends beyond just financing. It offers participants access to gender equality training, toolkits, mentorship programs, and workshops led by SheSecure partners. These resources are aimed at strengthening companies’ internal practices and promoting a more balanced and inclusive work environment. Additionally, the program fosters a sense of community by providing opportunities for participants to connect with other female entrepreneurs, share experiences, and build networks.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders from the government, the business community, and the development sector. Opening remarks were delivered by Edmund Solilapsi, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of ARQ SME BDC, followed by messages of support from Dr. Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, and Director Lilian Salonga, Director of the Bureau of Competitive Development and Officer-in-Charge of the Creative Industries Development Office at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
âThe Australian government is very much committed to this project. And Iâm here today because of an Australian government initiative called Investing in Women. And the purpose of Investing in Women is to support economic growth through womenâs economic empowerment,â said Dr. Collett.
âWhat we know is that for any country to achieve their full potential in terms of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, women have to be a part of it. You canât achieve that kind of potential if youâre including half of the population,â she added.
A keynote address by Eleanor Keppelman, Impact Investing Director at Investing in Women (an initiative of the Australian Government), emphasized the crucial role of growth capital in enabling women entrepreneurs to thrive.
The program also featured a success story delivered by Maita Madlambayan, President and COO of Haus Talk, a company that has benefited from access to capital.
Jojo Malolos, CEO of PayMongo, delivered a message of allyship, underlining the importance of male leaders supporting women in business. A panel discussion with prominent female leaders including Monette Iturralde-Hamlin (Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair, Institute for Corporate Directors PH), Abetina Valenzuela-Mader (CEO, EQUILIFE Medical Equipment Supplies & Services Inc.), and Ann Cuisia (CEO and Founder, Traxion Tech Inc.) explored the impact of women’s leadership on business growth and sustainability.
The launch of SheSecure signifies ARQ SME BDC’s commitment to supporting the growth of women-led businesses in the Philippines. By providing access to capital, capacity building resources, and a supportive community, SheSecure empowers women entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous Philippine economy.
Interested businesses can learn more about SheSecure and apply for the program at https://www.arqcapital.com/applynow