September marks the beginning of the busiest season in the Philippines featuring months-long back-to-back holidays and family gatherings. The joy of gift buying, preparations, groceries, and hunting for sales at this time of the year creates a festive spirit and profit for business and establishments nationwide.
While this period is considered to be the celebration of giving, this can also be the best time for Filipinos to start a side-hustle for extra income to cover the ber month expenses and start the next year strong. Here are four business trends you can get into to make the most out of the incoming peak season:
- Upcycling
Upcycling is gaining popularity in 2025, driven by the growing preference for more eco-friendly and sustainable products. By transforming materials such as jeans to make tote bags or tablecloth dresses, this idea brings a new life to the usual products that makes them appealing to the market. The trends are also leaning towards a more personalized and maximalist style, bringing upcycling closer to the future of fashion and interior design.
- Online selling
Jumping into e-commerce is the ultimate business hack for small entrepreneurs selling items such as pre-loved bags, home decors, or trendy clothing. This is because 46% of Filipinos shop online more than once a month, accounting for 5% of the overall retail spending in the Philippines. Regardless of season, online selling has seen high demands in different areas in beauty, fashion, electronics or home finds. So as long as you have your phone, your products, and internet connection, you’re all set for the ideal side-hustle.
- Food stalls
If you are looking to reach a wider audience for your culinary creativity, food stalls or trucks are the way to go. In the middle of a business district, malls, or within schools and transport terminals, innovative concepts let you set up your stall in any busy area and find your customers wherever they are. Some of the hit food stall ideas are the classic street food, beverage, and dessert bars, while international dishes and delicacies are also a great concept to pique people’s interest.
- Mobile event carts
For something more compact, mobile carts are designed specifically for events, providing a more interactive experience to serve your customers. From coffee and cocktails, food, or more niche items like bouquets and art pieces, these carts can be transported easily and are able to adapt to seasonal trends, perfect for all the holiday festivities in line.
Having these golden ideas is just the first step to opening a venture. The real challenge still lies in the strategic approach to financial management. As a global financial infrastructure company for the Global Majority, Tala can be a valuable partner in navigating the holiday craze by helping Filipinos gain financial stability and improve their lives by growing something greater for themselves.
For instance, Tala user Hector was able to find a new source of income to support his family after losing his job during the pandemic by starting a fruit stand business. Later, he ventured out to sell food, bags, accessories and clothes online with the help of his Tala loan.
“I was looking for an alternative where I can borrow online and then I saw Tala. What got me excited was how flexible the payment terms were. There’s a lot you can do with the money that you borrowed, and you are really given the chance to grow your money,” he said.
Tala empowers Filipinos like Hector to start and/or expand their business through its fast and hassle-free approval of loans they can use as capital for business preparation and growth. Coupled with their own hard work and resilience, they can achieve financial stability, sustain their needs, and responsibly manage their finances.
Tala also offers flexible terms by letting users choose their own repayment date from 15 to 61 days and the amount they want to borrow within their loan limit, which can be boosted over time by consistently paying on time. All these reflect Tala's mission rooted in tiwala and how it champions the transformative power of access to help customers grow their financial lives and reach their goals. Find out more by visiting tala.ph and downloading the official Tala app.
