When Daniel Cruz III, owner of SH-CCPM Enterprise, received his first purchase order in 2019, he was both excited and anxious. His company, which had been supplying corporate giveaways and souvenirs to travel agencies and local airlines since 2016, was presented with a golden opportunity—a ₱750,000 order from a new client. But there was one major hurdle: Daniel only had ₱30,000 in the bank. He needed at least ₱500,000 to purchase the necessary materials. 

“When you buy the materials, usually kaliwaan – dapat full payment agad. Wala namang credit terms ‘to,” Daniel explained about his purchase order. Faced with this financial challenge, he searched for a solution that would let him use his purchase order as collateral. His search led him to First Circle, which appeared as the top result on Google.

“Si First Circle ang first na nagpautang sa’kin na institution. So First Circle is the first of everything. This was in December 2019,” Daniel recalled. “So ‘nung January, nung nabigay na [nila] sa’kin yung funds, ang bilis. Nagulat ako na huh, ganun lang?” 

Thanks to the speed and efficiency of First Circle’s Revolving Credit Line, Daniel was able to fulfill his client’s order in record time. His client was equally surprised. “Ako lang daw ‘yung first time na pagkabili, two to three days after, nandun na ‘yung products…they were happy about it, na ang bilis ng transaction.”

Since then, Daniel’s credit line with First Circle has grown from ₱500,000 to ₱2 million, allowing him to take on even bigger projects and manage his business operations more effectively. He frequently uses his credit line for purchase orders ranging from ₱300,000 to ₱500,000, and sometimes to cover employee salaries and wages.

“My journey with First Circle was smooth. Nagagamit ko talaga ‘yung revolving credit line. I’m happy na napapa-ikot ko pa rin ‘yung 2M line,” Daniel shared. “The whole process is fast, kasi [First Circle] cut down the processes to make sure we can draw down.”

Daniel also appreciates the exceptional service provided by First Circle’s dedicated account managers. Unlike his past experiences with other lenders, where he had to chase them for updates, Daniel is now pleasantly surprised by the proactive support he receives. “Si Miss Charm pa ‘yung nagkukulit sa’kin na ‘kamusta na, sir?’ So ang galing! Dati ako ‘yung nangungulit, ngayon si First Circle na.” [Note: Charm is Daniel’s account manager as of 2024.]

Looking ahead, Daniel hopes that First Circle will continue to empower Filipino businesses like his, particularly those unfamiliar with loans and business financing. He commends First Circle for being on the right track in helping Filipino businesses enhance their financial literacy and succeed in their ventures.

“Sana marami pang matulungan si First Circle na katulad sa’kin. First Circle is really the first institution that helped me. Who also believed na kaya ko din ito. I’m thankful, because without First Circle helping out with financing, hindi ko maca-cater yung first order ko,” Daniel concluded.

For Daniel Cruz III and SH-CCPM Enterprise, First Circle isn’t just a lender—it’s a partner in growth, providing the financial support and confidence needed to thrive in the competitive world of business.

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