Dolores T. Quiambao,Joan C. Reyes
This research was undertaken to explore the challenges and success of women entrepreneurs in Pampanga, Philippines. The lessons they have learned in their respective areas can be used by other women entrepreneurs in the Philippines. The data were gathered through series of interviews which were examined and analysed through the application of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Themes were identified showing the challenges and success as women entrepreneurs in the province of Pampanga such as financial difficulties, rivalry among entrepreneurs, conflict of schedule between family and business, high cost of technology, availability of imported goods at cheaper price, hard work, innovativeness, resourcefulness, risk-taking, passion in doing the business, purpose driven, networking abilities and patience. This qualitative research consists of realistic implications that are valuable to women entrepreneurs in other regions of the Philippines as well as to the future researchers. In cognizant of the limitations of this study, a research can be conducted expanding the scope to regional level given that Central Luzon is one region that has one of the highest concentrations of businesses in the country, alongside Manila and Cebu. It would also be good to benchmark whether the challenges faced by these women entrepreneurs would be similar to other regions such as those in Ilocos region, Visayas, and Mindanao. It is also recommended that succeeding studies must incorporate other entrepreneurial qualities sustaining women entrepreneurship that will influence government policy and other support services.