Empowering entrepreneurs: Assessing the impact and challenges of the Church Community Market of Sto. Niño Parish as a basis for establishing a community cooperative

This study employs a descriptive quantitative research design to assess the impact and challenges faced by the Church Community Market of Sto. Niño Parish in Cabanatuan City, aiming to identify the skills, knowledge, and support systems necessary for empowering entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable business growth. The research involved 30 respondents representing diverse community segments, including household heads, housewives, senior citizens, and out-of-school youth, to capture a comprehensive understanding of the market’s entrepreneurial landscape. Data collection included a bilingual survey questionnaire with both checklist and Likert-scale questions, complemented by focus group discussions (FGDs) for deeper qualitative insights. Findings indicate that the Church Community Market has a positive impact on local economic development, providing entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase products, build businesses, and enhance income-generating opportunities. Training programs offered by the College of Management and Business Technology have empowered participants with essential skills in product development, marketing, and financial management, translating these into tangible business success. The market has become a symbol of community resilience, promoting self-reliance and collaboration. However, challenges such as financial sustainability, competition from larger retail stores, and supply chain management persist. The study suggests that establishing a cooperative could address these challenges by providing better access to financial resources, facilitating shared training, and enabling collective negotiations for improved supplier deals. Recommendations emphasize exploring cooperative models, diversifying product offerings, and strengthening community networks to ensure the market’s long-term economic stability and empower local entrepreneurs.