How Filipina Entrepreneurs Overcome Obstacles

How Filipina Entrepreneurs Thrive During Challenges

Filipina entrepreneurs are making their mark in business. Women’s resilience, adaptability, and determination help them survive and thrive. But despite how far they’ve come, they still face unique hurdles that make it more challenging to define and achieve success on their own terms.

Let’s explore some of the common obstacles encountered by Filipina business owners and how they overcome them.

Modern-Day Challenges Faced by Women

Today, we are witnessing a surge of women breaking barriers in every aspect of life. Take a look at some of these challenges and how women’s resilience, determination, and adaptability make them shatter glass ceilings and redefine what is possible.

Work-Life Balance

In the Philippines, women are often expected to put family first over their careers. While these traditional roles no longer apply to many women, Filipina entrepreneurs still juggle multiple roles, including those of caregiver and homemaker. This balancing act makes it difficult for them to manage their businesses while also attending to family and household responsibilities. However, since women are adaptable and are naturally gifted in multi-tasking, they can achieve work-life balance.

Lack of Financial Support

One of the most significant barriers for entrepreneurs is capital. Many Filipina businesswomen, especially those from rural areas or less fortunate backgrounds, struggle to find the financial resources they need to get their businesses off the ground. But by investing in education and skill development, as well as building professional networks, they can find more opportunities for financial growth.

Limited Access to Technology

Undeniably, technology has been deeply ingrained in our daily lives. Businesses that don’t innovate and embrace digital transformation risk falling behind their competitors. However, many Filipina entrepreneurs are simply unaware or don’t have access to knowledge, skills, and tools. To address this, community programs could provide access to technology and training. Women who are also more knowledgeable about technology can advocate for policies and pass their expertise along.

Tips to Overcoming These Obstacles

These challenges seem intimidating, but there’s nothing that Filipinas can’t overcome with the right mindset and determination. Filipino businesswomen always manage to stay on top of their careers and personal lives. Here are some strategies they use that you can apply:

Set Personal Boundaries

Setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and seeking support from family and friends can help Filipina entrepreneurs maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s important to surround yourself with people who understand the weight of your responsibilities and work actively to help you achieve your goals by giving you the support you need.

Secure Alternative Funding Sources

Filipina entrepreneurs can seek alternative funding sources to jumpstart or grow their businesses. For example, you can turn to crowdfunding platforms, angel investors, and women empowerment organizations. You can also take advantage of government grants and programs specifically made for businesswomen. To successfully secure the necessary funding, build a strong business plan that shows your clear value propositions and realistic goals.

Leverage Digital Technology

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are effective platforms to market and sell your products. For instance, many entrepreneurs have transitioned to online selling during the pandemic. This has helped them reach broader audiences and increase sales. If you’re unfamiliar with these platforms or don’t know how to fully harness them, you can invest in digital literacy courses. Tech communities and free online learning modules also provide valuable training. You just need to know where to look! Rest assured there are plenty of these resources on the internet.

Seek Community Support and Mentorship

A strong support system is vital for overcoming entrepreneurial challenges. Initiatives such as InLife Sheroes offer an avenue for women to share their experiences, learn from one another, and access mentorship opportunities. Filipina entrepreneurs who have achieved remarkable success despite facing obstacles have a sense of duty to pay it forward and guide other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams as well. After all, Filipinas must look out for each other, right?

Join the advocacy today!