First Circle Stories: IMVJ Apparel

Alma Plaza, the owner of IMVJ Apparel, has been a First Circle client since 2020. Her journey as an entrepreneur hasn’t always been easy, especially when it comes to securing financing for her clothing business. However, everything changed when she was introduced to First Circle by a friend, who is already a satisfied client.

Alma was initially hesitant, having already taken out a business loan with another financial institution. But her friend’s strong recommendation encouraged her to submit her financing requirements to First Circle. Starting with a credit limit of ₱300,000, Alma was pleasantly surprised when her credit line was increased just six months later. She now regularly draws from this line of credit to purchase raw materials, ensuring her business stays on track to meet the demands of her customers.

Unlike other financial institutions that might blacklist a client for repayment issues, Alma credits First Circle for being supportive throughout challenging times – offering flexibility and understanding that has been crucial for her business continuity. “Kung minsan nagkakaroon ng problem [sa business] kasi ‘di rin naman natin maiiwasan. Pero nagagawan [nila] ng paraan…kahit nandoon ‘yung problema — nagpapa-extend [sila] kung minsan nadaip ka,” Alma shares. 

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The ease and simplicity of First Circle’s application and drawdown process also stands out to Alma. “Sobrang bilis, wala kang iisipin. ‘Yung pinagdaanan ko sa [competitor], grabe. Parang gusto ko nang sumuko at that time, ang daming hiningi sa akin…kung sa First Circle, siguro hindi ganoong kahirap ‘yung pinagdaanan ko. Kasi, bakit sobrang smooth? Wala kang masasabi,” she recalls, comparing her seamless experience with First Circle against the more cumbersome processes she faced with other lenders.

Alma is particularly grateful for the speed with which First Circle processes her applications. “Grabeng tulong kasi ang fast ng approval, konti lang yung kailan mong i-submit…tapos, tatawag lang [sila] for confirmation, then that day mismo, malalaman mo na kung approved or disapproved ka. Ang bilis talaga ng processing, sobrang smooth. Walang kasakit-sakit,” she says, emphasizing how this efficiency has been a game-changer for her business.

On a one-to-ten scale, with ten being the highest, Alma doesn’t hesitate to give First Circle a perfect ten. “Ten always ang rating ko kay First Circle. Kasi sobrang gaan, at ang laki ng tulong sa akin,” she says with a smile.

For Alma Plaza and IMVJ Apparel, First Circle isn’t just a financial partner—it’s a vital support system that has helped her business grow and thrive, even in the face of challenges. With First Circle’s Revolving Credit Line, Alma has found the financial flexibility and peace of mind she needs to continue driving her business forward.