THE BARRIERS to Business Growth of Micro-Retail Enterprises in Nabunturan and Monkayo Districts of Davao de ORO

Abstract

Small businesses worldwide, including micro-retail enterprises, often encounter a range of challenges that hinder their growth and development. This study investigates the barriers to growth confronting micro-retail enterprises operating in Nabunturan and Monkayo Districts, Davao de Oro. Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design, the researcher examined the relationships among various barriers and business growth indicators among MREs. The key factors examined include financial, organizational, external, social, legal, and institutional barriers. Using adapted questionnaires, 150 randomly selected executives of micro-retail enterprises were surveyed. Pearson r and regression analysis were used to analyze the data.  The findings revealed that respondents experienced a moderate decline in  employment, sales, and value in 2023 compared to 2022. They also recognized the moderate adverse effects of organizational, external, social, and legal/institutional factors on business growth. Financial, organizational, and social barriers are identified as significant impediments to business growth, collectively explaining 31.9% of the variance in growth outcomes. The results confirmed the Unicist Theory and the Liabilities of Smallness Theory, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies to mitigate these barriers.