A recent study conducted by Filipino startup Packworks, in collaboration with the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), underscores the critical role of sari-sari stores in fostering empowerment among Filipina entrepreneurs.

These small neighbourhood shops, which supply daily essentials to 94 per cent of Filipinos, function as more than just retail outlets. They serve as platforms for psychological, social, and economic empowerment for women micro-entrepreneurs, contributing significantly to inclusive growth.

Findings from the PIDS Discussion Paper Series No. 2024-50, titled Gender, Microentrepreneurship, Human Flourishing: Exploring the Experiences of Women Sari-Sari Store Owners toward Inclusive Growth, reveal that operating a sari-sari store provides women with a strong sense of self-confidence, purpose, and motivation.

Many women identify as entrepreneurs or business owners, taking pride in their ability to contribute to their families and communities. This self-perception fosters independence and fulfilment, reinforcing their social standing.

Beyond personal growth, sari-sari store owners benefit from enhanced social status within their communities. These micro-businesses act as community hubs, fostering relationships and social cohesion.

Women store owners often experience increased support from their families, further strengthening their role in the local economy. These findings align with Packworks’ previous research, which highlights that 75 per cent of owners are women, underscoring their influence in the country’s retail and social fabric.

Also Read: Global markets in flux: Trump’s tariff pause and bitcoin reserve shake sentiment

Additionally, many women micro-entrepreneurs demonstrate transformational leadership qualities, fostering self-reliance and agency within their communities. They serve as role models for others, showing that financial independence and personal growth are achievable even within a micro-business setting.

Barriers to economic empowerment

Despite their strong presence in the micro-retail sector, economic empowerment remains a challenge for many women sari-sari store owners.

Access to capital is a significant barrier, with many relying on personal savings, family loans, or informal lending schemes that often have high interest rates. A lack of awareness about formal micro-loan options further exacerbates the issue, limiting their ability to expand and sustain their businesses.

Addressing these financial hurdles requires improved access to formal microfinance solutions. Some initiatives, such as Packworks’ collaboration with Cebuana Lhuillier and 1Sari Finance Corp, have begun to bridge this gap by offering microfinancing solutions tailored to sari-sari stores. However, broader efforts are needed to ensure that women entrepreneurs can access sustainable financial support.

Political empowerment among owners remains ambiguous. Most women entrepreneurs have minimal engagement with the government, with interactions primarily limited to business registration and elections. However, the study indicates a willingness among these women to participate more actively in government-led business support programmes if they were more accessible and better communicated.

An information gap persists regarding government intervention programmes designed to support women micro-entrepreneurs. While various financial and skills development initiatives exist, many sari-sari store owners remain unaware of them.

Bridging this gap through targeted awareness campaigns and outreach efforts could enhance their ability to leverage available resources for business growth.

Also Read: Beyond the hype: Identifying AI opportunities for businesses

The role of technology

Technology plays an increasing role in enabling women sari-sari store owners to overcome traditional barriers. Packworks, a social enterprise working with approximately 200,000 sari-sari stores, utilises big data to help these micro-entrepreneurs make data-driven decisions and leverage market trends more effectively.

Other digital innovations further enhance the capabilities of women store owners. BanKo, a subsidiary of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, has introduced the e’Nay app, which connects sari-sari stores with supermarkets, delivery services, and banks.

Similarly, the Tindahan Mo e-Level Up Mo programme—led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), Hapinoy, and GCash—focuses on improving digital literacy among micro-retailers.

E-commerce platforms also present opportunities for market expansion. The E-Taas ang Pinay MSMEs Campaign, backed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), DTI, and the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO), aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills needed to access online marketplaces such as Shopee, Lazada, and Facebook.

While this initiative targets micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) broadly, it highlights the growing importance of digital platforms in empowering sari-sari store owners.

—

Image Credit: JR Padlan on Unsplash

The post More than just corner shops: How sari-sari empower Filipina entrepreneurs appeared first on e27.