Title

MICRO ENTREPRENEURS FINANCIAL LITERACY, NETWORKING STRATEGIES, AND SURVIVABILITY

Graduate School

Author(s)

Lood, Roelson M.

Affiliation

Misamis University

Degree Program

Doctor in Management (DM)

Contributor

Carpio, Renzitelo Alf P. - Adviser
Ilusorio, Gilda L. - Panel Member
Ranises, Lloyd B. - Panel Member
Reyes, Imelda O. - Panel Member
Clarin, Analyn S. - Panel Member

Year

2026

Abstract

Financial literacy and networking strategies form essential foundations for
strengthening the survivability of micro-entrepreneurs. This study aimed to determine the
levels of financial literacy and networking strategies and examine their relationship with
micro-enterprise survivability, while also exploring how financial literacy shapes the lived
experiences of entrepreneurs in sustaining their businesses in Aloran, Misamis Occidental.
The quantitative study included 135 micro-entrepreneurs selected through purposive
sampling, while the qualitative study involved 10 participants chosen through a purposive
sampling technique. Financial Literacy, Networking Strategies, and Micro Entrepreneurs'
Survivability. Questionnaires were used to gather quantitative data, while a researchermade interview guide was used to capture experiential insights from the participants. Mean,
Standard Deviation, Pearson Product–Moment Correlation, and Simple Linear Regression
Analysis were used for as data analyses, while Moustakas’ phenomenological method was
used in analyzing the qualitative data. Results revealed that micro-entrepreneurs
demonstrated very high financial literacy and survivability, with networking strategies
rated high. Financial literacy in terms of financial knowledge influenced micro
entrepreneurs' sustainability in terms of cost leadership, while networking strategies in
terms of collaboration and partnership affect longevity and innovation. Financial
knowledge emerged as a predictor of micro entrepreneurs sustainability. Qualitative
findings indicated the following themes: financial literacy operates as an embodied
financial control as emotional stability and resilience, financially guided spatial
management: organizing business spaces for efficiency and sustainability, financial
literacy as a temporal anchor: reflecting on past challenges, navigating present operations, and securing future sustainability, and financial literacy as a foundation for trust and
sustainable relationships, financial tools and practices as pillars of business sustainability.
Thus, financial literacy plays a part in making the micro businesses survive in the complex
entrepreneurial ecosystem. In this vein, future research may integrate mediation analysis
to strengthen the indirect effect of networking strategies on the relationship between
financial literacy and business survivability.

Keywords

business sustainability, entrepreneurial resilience, financial literacy, microenterprises, networking strategies