Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 13 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 475-481
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260543
Entrepreneurial Readiness of Young Professionals: A Study of Tier-2 Urban Hubs in the Philippines
Catherine P. Uayan1, Rowena R. Orbeta2
1,2College of Business and Management, City College of Cagayan de Oro
Corresponding Author: Catherine P. Uayan
ABSTRACT
In the evolving landscape of the Philippine "Gig Economy," Tier-2 cities like Cagayan de Oro (CDO) serve as critical theaters for entrepreneurial growth. This study evaluates the preparedness of 50 young professionals (ages 21–40) to transition from institutional employment to independent business ownership using a descriptive-analytical research design. The evaluation framework integrated demographic traits with professional competency clusters, measured via a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis revealed that while respondents possess high baseline competencies in Leadership and Vision (M=4.42, SD=0.51) and Communication (M=4.58, SD=0.44), significant "readiness gaps" exist in technical execution. Specifically, Venture Architecture (M=2.15, SD=0.88) and Financial Mobilization (M=1.92, SD=0.76) scored significantly lower (p < .05), indicating that professional proficiency does not automatically translate to entrepreneurial agency. Correlation analysis identified a strong positive relationship between academic training and soft skill capital (r = .72), yet a negligible link between corporate experience and startup technical knowledge. Findings suggest that while the entrepreneurial spirit in Northern Mindanao is vibrant, it remains structurally "unanchored." The study proposes a Triadic Support Model - incorporating academic laboratories, local government scaffolding, and private sector mentorship - to bridge the gap between professional skill and sustainable venture creation. This framework provides a strategic roadmap for transforming job-seekers into job-creators in emerging urban hubs.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Readiness, Young Professionals, Cagayan de Oro City, Tier-2 Urban Hubs, Venture Architecture, Philippines
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