The paper presents the results of a study that looked into the business environments
of grassroots enterprises in Iloilo and Guimaras. A descriptive design was used, and
primary data was generated through interviews with 50 respondents from among the
grassroots entrepreneurs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic
analysis. Findings show that the entrepreneurs identified and assessed consumer
demand and preferences as economic forces that have positive effects on their business
operations, while unemployment or underemployment of family members, and inflation
and rising prices are seen as disadvantageous to the business. As far as social trends
are concerned, outmigration and marriage are considered as having negative effects
on enterprise operations while young people’s preference for non-vocational courses
is perceived as beneficial to the business enterprises. New types of machinery and
equipment; innovative designs for the hablon; availability of raw materials; opportunities
to learn new skills, and new color schemes; and, wider dimensions of the tiral for hablon
weaving are technological developments deemed advantageous to business operations
by a majority of the entrepreneurs. Support of local government, as well as national
leadership, legislations for micro-enterprise development, and government assistance to
micro-entrepreneurs, are political factors perceived by the entrepreneurs as favorable to
them. The study recommends strategic and coordinated business development services
with the complementation of government, civil society organizations, and private sector
efforts that address challenges and prospects afforded by the business environments of
the NGO-assisted enterprises.