International Journal of Advanced Engineering, Management and Science (IJAEMS) [Vol-6, Issue-2, Feb-2020] https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijaems.62.4 ISSN: 2454-1311 www.ijaems.com Page | 91 Challenges encountered by women Entrepreneurs in managing Food Businesses Mitchelle Pam O. Dumlao, Queen Roshaina C. Maniquiz, Chary Grace C. Catubag, Adrian A. Tolentino, Jennifer G. Fronda Abstract— The primary purpose of this study is to identify the challenges of women entrepreneurs in running a food business. The researchers used a questionnaire checklist for collecting the data. It consisted of different variables such as the nature of the business, marketing knowledge, capital of the business and challenges encountered which are all related to running a business. The findings revealed that most of the respondents were engaged in eatery business, they have their own business stall and their start-up capital was low. Moreover, the respondents’ used their own ideas to conceptualize the business. They utilized a distribution channel that is product direct to the consumer (end-user).To promote their product they prefer personal selling. Lack of resources was the most difficult challengethat the women entrepreneurs have encountered in starting a business. Keywords— Challenges, food industry, start-up capital, strategy, women entrepreneur. I. INTRODUCTION Entrepreneurs are important players in any economy. “Entrepreneurs who prove to be successful in taking on the risks of a startup are rewarded with profits, fame, and continued growth opportunities and those who fail to suffer losses and become less prevalent in the markets”[1]. The researchers observed that there are different factors affecting the business making including Climate Condition. Climate conditions may affect your business in a number of ways. Unpredictable weather can impact directly on your business, for example by increasing the risk of water shortages or flooding. This can cause significant disruption to your business and make it more difficult to get insurance [2]. The researchers also observed that business owners handling meat processing products have encountered African Swine Fever or ASF, which brought a scare to a lot of customers in Cabanatuan City causing a low market on Meat Products specially Longganisa which is very popular in Cabanatuan City. According to Rappler-Ralf Rivas, “the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), ASF is a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs, warthogs, and boars. It causes pigs to have a high fever and lose their appetite. It also causes hemorrhages in the skin and internal organs. Death is certain. Pigs die in a span of 2 to 10 days upon affliction. There is no known vaccine against ASF yet. Agriculture Secretary William Dar said 7 areas in two provinces in Luzon have been affected by ASF. These are Rizal - San Jose, Macabud, San Isidro, San Rafael, Mascap, and Cupang in Antipolo, Bulacan – Guiguinto. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, ASF has severely affected China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, some areas in South Korea, Laos, and Myanmar. ASF outbreaks have been detected in 32 provinces in China. Almost 1.2 million pigs there have been culled in an effort to halt the further spread of the disease”[3]. There are many misconceptions about entrepreneurs and businessmen. The entrepreneur is the market leader; it creates a new market and starts a new idea or concept. On the other hand, businessman plays as the market player who sets up the business with existing idea offering product or service. “Women entrepreneurship is the process in which women initiate a business, gather all resources, undertake risks, face challenges, provides employment to others and manages the business independently. There has been a change in the role of women due to growth in education, urbanization, industrialization, and awareness of democratic values”[4]. Women often have skills and abilities that are useful in business and tend to be great at networking, and they possess inherent skills for negotiating to have the ability to multitask. Single mothers are often good at delegating and budgeting, skills that they rely on to manage their families [5]. One of the situations in Cabanatuan Cityis the noticeable growth of a business, and some of them are managed by women entrepreneurs. The aim of the research is to determine the challenges of starting a business in Cabanatuan City. The findings of this study will be useful to the citizens of Cabanatuan City and for the women entrepreneurs of the business or for the future women entrepreneurs in the City. With this study, the institution can determine the