The Business Environment of NGO-assisted Grassroots Enterprises in the Provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras

Anonymous

by: Christine Mae D. Hernando, John Lorenz R. Belanio

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Organizational environment, business environment, grassroots enterprises