Navigating Challenges and Struggles of Micro-Entrepreneurs: A Phenomenological Study in Micro-Businesses

Authors

  • Abegail T. Buena
  • Erusalem D. Ngoyngoy
  • Samara G. Lipas
  • Khaycee Ryl D. Dalagan
  • Maureen Kate S. Bangngayon
  • Arvee G. Bosway

Abstract

Abstract

This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of 19 purposively selected micro-entrepreneurs operating in a rural barangay in Mankayan, Benguet, Philippines, focusing on the challenges they faced, how these challenges affected their businesses, and the strategies they used to cope. Participants were included if they personally owned and managed their enterprise and could provide informed consent; adequacy of the sample was supported through information power and thematic saturation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in participants' preferred language, including English, Filipino, Ilocano, or Kankanaey, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis involving familiarization, coding, and iterative theme development. Five interrelated challenges emerged: capital and financial difficulties, physical and health-related conditions, online and local competition, rodent-related product losses, and demand changes linked to inflation. These challenges constrained business growth, reduced income, increased the risk of closure, and contributed to the loss of customers to competitors. In response, owners practiced financial discipline through budgeting, capital rotation, and stricter control and collection of customer credit; pursued market adaptation through social-media promotion and product adjustment; and relied on relational resilience built on support networks, customer-centered service, cleanliness, and persistence. The findings indicate that resilience among rural micro-entrepreneurs is both a practical skill grounded in financial management and a relational capacity sustained through trust and community ties. These results extend existing literature by illustrating how customer credit, weather, pest infestation, health disruptions, online competition, and inflation converge within the daily operations of small, owner-managed enterprises in underserved communities. The study recommends that local government units and enterprise-support programs prioritize accessible financing referrals, financial-literacy training, digital-marketing assistance, sanitation and pest-control education, and disaster-responsive business continuity planning to strengthen the resilience of micro-enterprises in similar rural settings.

Keywords: micro-entrepreneurs, micro-businesses, phenomenology, business resilience, Philippines

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Published

2026-07-28

How to Cite

T. Buena, A., D. Ngoyngoy, E., G. Lipas, S., D. Dalagan, K. R., S. Bangngayon, M. K., & G. Bosway, A. (2026). Navigating Challenges and Struggles of Micro-Entrepreneurs: A Phenomenological Study in Micro-Businesses. Philippine Journal of Basic Studies, 2. Retrieved from https://pjbs.pti.edu.ph/index.php/pjbs/article/view/86

Issue

Vol. 2 (2026): Philippine Journal of Basic Studies

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Abegail T. Buena, Erusalem D. Ngoyngoy, Samara G. Lipas, Khaycee Ryl D. Dalagan, Maureen Kate S. Bangngayon, Arvee G. Bosway

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