The Philippines is a highly entrepreneurial country. The main reason that drives its entrepreneur spirit is its poverty. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) account for the largest share of Philippine entrepreneurs. SMEs, including micro-enterprises, account for 99 percent of all business establishments and 60 percent of the exporting firms in the Philippines. SMEs currently employ about 55 percent of the Philippine labor force and contribute 30 percent to total domestic volume sales. Women hold significant leadership positions in national and local government, universities, business corporations and family business enterprises in the Philippines. 51% of entrepreneurs in Philippines are female.

Challenges for entrepreneurs in Philippines include a lack of research and development, inadequate access to technology, financing—most entrepreneurs starting small business in the Philippines have difficulty acquiring capital, a lack of marketing advice and logistical problems.

The Philippines government sees that Entrepreneurial efforts will help ignite economic growth, improve living standards, and build a worldwide market for Philippine products so they welcome foreign investors and offer incentive and support by lowering tariffs, opening its entire economy, including land ownership and “free trade.”