TRANSITIONING TO ONLINE HOME-BASED BUSINESS: IMPACT ON BUSINESS WELL-BEING AND SUSTAINABILITY OF SMALL-SCALE ONLINE BUSINESS IN TANZA, CAVITE – International Journal of Research in Education Humanities and Commerce

TRANSITIONING TO ONLINE HOME-BASED BUSINESS: IMPACT ON BUSINESS WELL-BEING AND SUSTAINABILITY OF SMALL-SCALE ONLINE BUSINESS IN TANZA, CAVITE

Authors: Aila Jemimah J. Saguid, Leona Rose Hetanes, Mikaela Rose A. Deo, Christian B. Reyllo, Kim Raguindin, Marjun Apostol & Ritch M. Banate

ABSTRACT

The study determined the impact of transitioning to online home-based businesses on the well-being and sustainability of small-scale enterprises in Tanza, Cavite. The research employed a descriptive research design, gathering data through a structured survey questionnaire administered to small-scale entrepreneurs. The participants were selected using purposive, convenience, and quota sampling techniques to ensure the representation of business owners who had transitioned to an online setup. The findings indicated that transitioning to online platforms significantly improved the financial health of businesses by reducing operational costs and enhancing profitability. Operational efficiency was also positively impacted, with improved inventory management, streamlined daily operations, and enhanced communication with employees and suppliers. Moreover, customer satisfaction increased due to easier access to services, faster response times, and better customer service facilitated by digital tools. In terms of sustainability, economic sustainability was strengthened as participants reported more stable revenue streams and opportunities for growth. Governance and accountability also improved, with businesses leveraging digital tools to ensure transparency, better record-keeping, and compliance with regulations. Social sustainability was evident in increased community engagement and the adoption of fair practices, while product and supply chain sustainability were achieved through eco-friendly initiatives, such as the use of recyclable packaging and ethical sourcing practices. Despite these advancements, challenges persisted. Participants cited difficulties in accessing funding, gaps in digital literacy, and the costs associated with technology upgrades as barriers to further growth. These findings align with previous research emphasizing the critical role of digital tools and strategies in the success of small-scale online businesses (Smith & Muniz, 2018; Kumar et al., 2020). This study contributes to the growing body of literature on e-commerce and small business sustainability, particularly in a post-pandemic context. It highlights the importance of government and private sector support in providing affordable access to technology, training programs, and financial resources. These measures are essential to empowering small-scale entrepreneurs to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Keywords: Online businesses, home-based business, financial health, operational efficiency, sustainability, small-scale enterprises

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