Student Entrepreneurship in the Philippines 2025 GUESSS National Report
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-6-2026
Abstract
The GUESSS 2025 Philippines National Report reveals a dynamic and evolving entrepreneurial landscape among university students in the Philippines. Drawing from 669 respondents across more than 20 higher education institutions, the findings highlight strong entrepreneurial aspirations but uneven educational exposure and structural challenges influencing entrepreneurial behavior. Overall, the report identifies a large latent entrepreneurial pipeline and notable early-stage engagement, underscoring opportunities for universities, policymakers, and ecosystem actors to strengthen innovation capacity and youth entrepreneurship. Expanding access to entrepreneurship education emerges as the most effective lever for cultivating entrepreneurial intention and skill development. Universities can activate this latent pipeline through three key interventions: Entrepreneurial Discovery Tracks that expose students from all disciplines to innovation and venture creation; Post‑Graduation Incubation Programs that extend institutional support to alumni; and Career‑to‑Startup Bridging Initiatives that connect early‑career experience with entrepreneurial development. Combined with outcomes‑driven pedagogy and experiential learning, these strategies can transform entrepreneurial aspiration into tangible enterprise creation. Universities should also advocate for a student‑level temporary business permit, providing a regulated, low‑risk environment for students to operate small ventures while enrolled. To sustain long‑term growth, universities must cultivate an international mindset among student entrepreneurs. Global exposure through exchange programs, cross‑border incubation, and international mentorship networks enables Filipino founders to scale ventures beyond domestic markets and compete globally. Persistent ecosystem barriers—particularly limited access to financing, weak STEM‑business collaboration, and fragmented institutional coordination—require collective action through a Philippine University Entrepreneurship and Innovation Consortium (PUEIC). This alliance would allow institutions to advocate jointly for policy reform, resource sharing, and standardized entrepreneurship education. By embracing global collaboration and innovation‑driven learning, universities and policymakers can unlock the latent entrepreneurial potential of Filipino youth and position the Philippines as a regional hub for inclusive, internationally competitive entrepreneurship.
Recommended Citation
Lagdameo, J. L. D., Guerrero, D. A. A., Erfe, B. J. E., & Chaves, S. M. (2026). Student entrepreneurship in the Philippines: 2025 GUESSS national report. Ateneo de Manila University. https://archium.ateneo.edu/
