Tradition meets enterprise : challenges in integrating cultural practices into entrepreneurial initiatives among entrepreneurs in Buhi / Mikee Glycyl A. Aguilar, Shiela Joy P. Alap, and Jose B. Alcantara Jr. II.

Undergraduate Thesis (BSOA)- Office Administration. Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, 2025.

Includes bibliographical references.

This study explores the challenges and possibilities of introducing cultural practices in entrepreneurial businesses in inabëģ weavers of Buhi, Camarines Sur, a place that is highly known for its cultural richness and traditional crafts. Conscious of the increasing world interest in sustainable and culture-driven entrepreneurship, the research hopes to bridge an essential gap in context-driven, empirical literature on how entrepreneurs of the locality balance tradition with the demands of modern business. Employing a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires from registered inabëģ weavers to examine demographic profiles, adopted traditional culture practices, challenges encountered, and strategies employed to maintain cultural authenticity without sacrificing business sustainability. The key findings reveal that most of the entrepreneurs are elderly women operating family firms for over ten years, making conscious efforts to integrate indigenous materials, and local languages in their products and advertising messages. However, they are dealing with recurring issues such as limited access to mainstream raw materials, market awareness, and shielding from imitation, in addition to infrastructural and institutional limitations. The study also uncovers a highly significant relationship between demographic issues with issues faced and requires specific support interventions. The findings justifies culturally appropriate policy and community-based initiatives to encourage sustainable entrepreneurship that incorporates indigenous heritage but promotes socio-economic resilience in Buhi. These findings call for culturally appropriate policies and community-based initiatives that close the gap between economic growth and cultural conservation at the local level.