Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are critical drivers of local economic growth, employment, and innovation. In Carmona, Cavite, the Local Government Unit (LGU) has initiated various livelihood programs to support SME development. This study evaluates the extent of LGU support for SMEs and its relationship to enterprise performance, aiming to contribute localized inputs to a Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP).
The study focused on five dimensions of LGU support: financial assistance, program design and implementation, skills training, business development services, and policy/regulatory support. SME performance was examined across six areas: market presence, human resource management, innovation, operations, networking, and monitoring.
Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 643 respondents-LGU employees, SME owners, and SME staff-through a validated survey. Data were analyzed using weighted mean, One-Way ANOVA, and Pearson\\\'s r.
Results showed that LGU support was generally rated \\\"Evident,\\\" especially in program design and business development services. SME performance was likewise \\\"Evident,\\\" particularly in market and innovation aspects. However, significant differences were found in how respondent groups perceived LGU support, notably in regulatory and training components. A moderately strong positive correlation was observed between LGU support and SME performance.