Shesecure - Fueling growth capital requirements of Women-owned and led Small Businesses

SheSecure is a gender lens investment product by ARQ SME BDC (ARQ) aimed at financing the working capital requirements of growing women-owned and led small businesses (WSB) for up to Php30mn.

It aims to unlock capital for WSBs by aggregating high-quality WSBs that are interested in adopting sustainable gender equity practices while enhancing internal business practices to ensure sustainable growth. SheSecure is developed in partnership with Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government.

WOMEN-OWNED OR WOMEN-LED

> 50% women-owned; or

≥ 30% women presence in senior management and/or board

GROWING BUSINESS & SIZE

Php35 to 100m in total assets; or
Php50m in annualized revenues
Up to 250 employees

FINANCING REQUIREMENT

Php10m to 30m credit facility
6 to 24 months
As low as 1% per month add-on rate
Collateralized or non-collateralized

SHESECURE
Sustainability Program Benefits

Growth Capital + Interest Savings

Get timely and committed funds; get interest cost savings up to 2% p.a. based on achievement of certain gender milestones.

Stronger Gender Equal Organization

Improve Gender Balance. Strengthen your organization with gender equality trainings and toolkits

Community Support

Access to mentorship programs and workshops led by SheSecure Partners (demand capacity builder is a big word); Support other female entrepreneurs by referring them to this program; Network: find new clients, suppliers, or investors by tapping into ARQ’s network of partners.

SHESECURE
Sustainability
Partner

Partner Involvement

SheSecure inclusion in at least 2 events annually
Extend trainings, mentorships or other service offerings to SheSecure Cohort

REFERRAL PROGRAM

SHESECURE Partners can earn referral fees by successfully referring eligible program beneficiaries, based on the amount raised.

Partner Benefits

Access to a gender-focused funding pool for your cohort of women-owned and led businesses.
Sponsorships and financial support for programs benefitting female entrepreneurs.
Technical support in the form of training programs with a focus on finance and regulatory compliance.
Investor perspective and feedback in mock pitches and demo days.
Other collaboration opportunities as identified by the Partner.

Here are some key FAQs that women-owned and led enterprises may ask about the SheSecure program

SheSecure is a financing program designed to support growing women-owned and women-led small enterprises with access to capital, capacity-building, and incentives for improving gender equality in the workplace.

To qualify, businesses must be at least 50% woman-owned or have 30%or more women in senior management/board roles. The business should also meet specific size and financial requirements (e.g., Php35-100 million in assets or Php50 million in revenue).

You can access between Php10 million and Php30 million in credit facilities with flexible amortizing terms (6-24 months) that matches your growth cash cycle

SheSecure offers interest rebates of up to 2% p.a. for businesses that achieve specific gender equality milestones.

Beyond capital, the program offers access to gender equality training, toolkits, mentorship, and workshops with community partners to strengthen organizational practices.

Your business will gain access to tailored financing, improved gender practices, a wider business network, and potential interest savings. Plus, participation can positively impact your brand’s reputation in the marketplace.

Flexible repayment terms range from 6 to 24 months, with a minimum add-on rate of 1% per month. Both collateralized and non-collateralized options are available.

While open to various sectors, SheSecure particularly encourages businesses that align with sustainability and gender equality.

You can begin the application process by filling up this form. We will guide you through the next steps, including required documentation and eligibility assessments.

Yes, as long as you meet the business size criteria (in terms of assets, revenue, or employees) and have a commitment to improving gender equality within your organization.

NEXT STEPS

1. Fill up the online assessment form

2. Be invested under SheSecure or get connected to the appropriate capital partner

Inquire Now

ABOUT US

ARQ SME BDC

a privately-owned, institutionally-focused investment holdings firm specializing in private alternative opportunities in the Philippines.

INDUSTRIES

Healthcare
Consumer
Real Estate
Financial Services

Small Infrastructure & Logistics
Industrial & Materials
Food & Agriculture

Building Sustainable and Inclusive Futures through multi-asset private alternatives

HOME | ABOUT US | SME MEZZANINE BDC | CAREER

CONNECT