TITLE:
Starting a Small Business amidst COVID-19: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Entrepreneurship Students in Nueva Ecija, Philippines
AUTHORS:
Arjhel V. Domingo
KEYWORDS:
COVID-19, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Competencies, Small Business, Motivation
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.10 No.6,
June
27,
2022
ABSTRACT: This study described the entrepreneurial journey of 23 college
entrepreneurship students of Nueva Ecija University and Science and Technology,
Philippines, who have established small businesses amid pandemic. This study
utilized a descriptive method of research and
used questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide as research instruments.
The study revealed that the student’s preparedness to start a business had been
attributed to the entrepreneurship education they have gained from their
course. Gaining financial wealth while still studying has been the top factor
that motivated students to engage in business. By establishing their small
businesses, they have gained moderately to a
high level of personal entrepreneurial competencies. Peer mentorship and
attendance to free webinars have helped them improve their businesses. Time management,
strict compliance to safety and health protocols, and community lockdowns have
challenged students in their business operations. The study recommends that the
university must continue offering a relevant entrepreneurship education
curriculum and make it relevant to the needs of the times. The Philippines government must extend
its assistance to entrepreneurship students to help them thrive as successful
entrepreneurs.