Abstract
Women’s participation in entrepreneurship provides an important avenue for strengthening household livelihoods and promoting broader economic participation. However, aspiring women entrepreneurs often face competency gaps and resource-related constraints that may hinder their transition from entrepreneurial interest to actual business creation. This study examined the entrepreneurial competencies of aspiring women entrepreneurs in Cabanatuan City, Philippines, with particular attention to the challenges they experience and their perceptions of Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives. A descriptive quantitative approach was used, with data gathered from 126 members of the Barangay Pastoral Council of the mother of Perpetual Help (MOPH) representing clustered barangays. Respondent profiling showed that most participants were 36 years old or older, had attained high school education and were primarily interested in establishing food and beverage businesses. The competency assessment revealed comparatively stronger performance in marketing, customer relationship management and product development, while business planning, financial management and production-related technical skills emerged as areas needing further development. GAD initiatives received generally favorable assessments, particularly for their perceived contribution to entrepreneurial awareness, skills development and inclusive participation. At the same time, respondents pointed to insufficient access to advanced training, mentoring, technology-related assistance and continuing business support. Financial limitations, inadequate technical knowledge and difficulties associated with developing or improving products were likewise identified as important constraints to entrepreneurial pursuit. The findings point to the need for community-based interventions that combine practical entrepreneurship training with financial and technical assistance, mentoring, technology-oriented learning and sustained follow-up support.
Keywords: Community Extension, Entrepreneurial Competencies, Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship, Gender and Development.