5 Affordable Franchises in the Philippines Under ₱1 Million (and How to Make Them Work for You)

Thinking of Franchising But Worried About the Cost?

If you’ve ever walked past a Potato Corner cart or a Turks shawarma kiosk and thought, “Kaya ko rin ‘yan!” you’re not alone. Many Filipinos dream of running a franchise, but the price tag often gets in the way.

The good news? You don’t need millions to get started. In fact, there are well-known franchises in the Philippines under ₱1 million — and with the right financing, you can own one sooner than you think.

That’s where the Pondo Pinoy Franchise Loan comes in. We finance up to 50% of the franchise cost, so instead of paying ₱600,000 upfront, you might only need ₱300,000.

Why Affordable Franchises Are Worth It

Starting a business from scratch is risky — no branding, no system, no guarantee that customers will show up. That’s where franchises shine. You step into a ready-made business model with proven demand.

Small franchises are especially appealing because:

• They don’t drain your savings.

• Customers already know the product (everyone has tried siomai or shawarma).

• You can often break even within a year — some even faster.

For many Filipinos juggling day jobs and family responsibilities, an affordable franchise is the first realistic step into business ownership.

5 Affordable Franchises You Can Own for Under ₱1M

Here are five crowd-favorite franchises that don’t just fit the budget — they also have strong earning potential.

1. Potato Corner – The Flavored Fries Favorite

Walk into any mall and you’ll see kids clutching a cup of flavored fries, parents sneaking a bite, and long lines that barely move. That’s Potato Corner’s magic — comfort food with a cult following.

Franchise packages range from ₱325,000–₱550,000. Many franchisees recover costs in 12–18 months, especially in high-foot-traffic areas like schools or transport hubs. With Pondo Pinoy, you could start with as little as ₱165K.

Imagine owning a cart that’s already part of Filipino pop culture.

2. Siomai House – Affordable and Always in Demand

Whether it’s students grabbing a cheap lunch or employees looking for a quick bite, siomai never goes out of style. Siomai House has mastered the formula: affordable, tasty, and filling.

With a package of ₱250K–₱300K, it’s one of the lowest-cost entries into franchising. Many stalls recover in as little as 9–12 months. And with Pondo Pinoy financing, you could start for as little as ₱125K.

If you’ve ever lined up for siomai after class, you already know — the demand is endless.

3. Mr. Softy Ice Cream – Sweet Treats, Sweet Margins

Nothing says “reward” quite like ice cream on a hot afternoon. Mr. Softy taps into that universal craving with an affordable, trusted brand.

For around ₱500K, you can own your own cart. ROI is typically 12–18 months — but here’s the kicker: margins are sweet because raw costs are low. With Pondo Pinoy’s help, your entry drops to ₱250K.

It’s not just a business — it’s a way to sell smiles every single day.

4. CLT Café (Caffé La Tea) – Our Strategic Partner

Coffee shops and milk tea stalls are more than businesses; they’re social spaces. CLT Café combines both worlds, serving up lattes and milk tea favorites in affordable kiosk formats.

Packages start at ₱599K, with ROI in 12–18 months. But what makes CLT special is that they’re a Pondo Pinoy strategic partner. That means extra support and guidance, making the journey smoother for new entrepreneurs.

If you’ve ever dreamed of running a café without the huge risk, CLT is a solid stepping stone.

5. Turks – Shawarma That Sells Itself

Wherever there’s a crowd, there’s usually a Turks shawarma kiosk. Over the years, Turks has become synonymous with shawarma in the Philippines — affordable, tasty, and satisfying.

Packages range from ₱600K–₱800K. ROI is around 18–24 months, but in a busy location, recovery can come faster. With Pondo Pinoy, you’d only need ₱300K–₱400K to get started.

The best part? Turks already has a massive following — you’re not convincing people to try something new, you’re serving something they already crave.

Quick Franchise Comparison

To help you weigh your options, here’s a side-by-side look at the top affordable franchises, their costs, and how Pondo Pinoy financing makes them even more accessible:

How Financing Helps You Win Faster

Let’s say you invest ₱600K into a franchise and it breaks even in 18 months. That’s great — but your full savings were tied up for a year and a half.

Now imagine using Pondo Pinoy’s loan, covering half the cost. You put in ₱300K, and when the business breaks even, your personal cash is recovered in just 9 months.

That’s the difference between waiting and moving forward. Financing doesn’t just make a franchise affordable — it makes it safer.

Tips to Boost Your Success

Owning a franchise isn’t “set it and forget it.” Success comes from smart moves:

• Pick the right location. A good spot can double your sales.

• Market creatively. Use Facebook, TikTok, and promos to drive foot traffic.

• Keep a buffer. Always have funds for 2–3 months’ expenses.

• Pay on time. Disciplined repayments protect your credit and open doors for future expansion.
  
  

Treat it like your own baby, and the returns will follow.

Final Thoughts

Starting a business is never easy, but affordable franchises open the door for Filipinos who don’t have millions to spare. From fries to siomai, ice cream to shawarma, these brands show that you can start small and grow big.

And with Pondo Pinoy financing, the capital barrier no longer has to hold you back. You bring the drive and passion — we’ll help with the capital.

👉 Ready to find out if your dream franchise qualifies? Apply for the Pondo Pinoy Franchise Loan today.