Sta. Mesa, Manila is home to a vibrant mix of micro and small enterprises-from sarl-sari stores and carinderias to salons, tailoring shops, food stalls, and a rising cohort of online sellers. These ventures are more than income sources; they are the economic lifelines that anchor families and neighborhoods, supplying daily necessities, affordable services, and a sense of community identity. Yet, beneath this entrepreneurial energy lies a pressing challenge: most operators still run their businesses informally and remain disconnected from government programs designed to help them register, expand, and thrive. By examining the types of businesses that flourish in Barangays 627-636 and the obstacles their owners face, this study sets out to understand why the gap between available support and actual utilization persists-and how it can be bridged to foster more inclusive, resilient local growth.
The study reveals that a significant percentage of residents-especially in Barangays 629, 631, and 635-are unaware of key MSME support services such as the Department of Trade and Industry\'s (DTI) Negosyo Centers, Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program, and the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) initiative. The low levels of awareness, coupled with barriers such as fear of bureaucracy, limited digital literacy, lack of local guidance, and fear of online scams, have prevented many from formalizing their businesses and taking advantage of existing programs. These findings echo national and international studies on the challenges of grassroots entrepreneurship, particularly in underserved and digitally excluded communities.
In response to these gaps, the study recommends localized interventions such as the establishment of Barangay Negosyo Desks, monthly entrepreneurship fairs, community-based digital literacy training, mobile SSF caravans, and the promotion of local entrepreneurial champions. These proposed solutions aim to increase awareness, reduce fear and hesitation, and strengthen Sta. Mesa\'s entrepreneurial ecosystem from the ground up. By addressing both structural and psychological barriers, the study contributes actionable Insights for policymakers, local government units, and development organizations seeking to empower MSMEs In urban barangay settings.