BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CHALLENGES OF MICRO-BUSINESS OWNERS IN BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR

Abstract

This study examines the profile, capabilities, and operational challenges of micro-businesses in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. Most enterprises have been operating for 1 to 5 years, are predominantly sole proprietorships engaged in retail, and rely on personal savings as their main source of capital, with initial investments generally below P100, 000 and a workforce of 0 to 1 employee. Micro-business owners demonstrate adequate marketing and financial management skills, strong customer service capabilities, and sufficient knowledge of digitization. However, they face persistent constraints, including high interest rates on financing, unreliable electricity supply, frequent regulatory changes, and difficulty in finding skilled workers. These findings highlight both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the sector and point to the need for targeted support in access to finance, infrastructure improvement, regulatory streamlining, and human resource development.