This study assessed the entrepreneurial skills and competencies of small and medium enterprise (SME) owners/managers in Passi City, Iloilo, and examined the relationships between their demographic and business profiles and entrepreneurial capabilities. Using a correlational research design, this study examined the relationship between entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial competencies of SME owners/managers. A total of 50 respondents were included in the study, selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, which measured demographic variables, entrepreneurial skills, and entrepreneurial competencies. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to describe the respondents’ profile, as well as to assess their level of entrepreneurial skills and competencies. To determine the significant relationship between entrepreneurial skills and competencies, Pearson product-moment correlation was employed, provided that the assumptions for correlation analysis were met. Findings revealed that respondents generally demonstrated high to very high levels of entrepreneurial skills and competencies, with technical competency, opportunity recognition, and problem-solving skills rated highest. Age, educational attainment, and length of business operation were significantly positively correlated with both entrepreneurial skills and competencies, while sex and type of enterprise were not. Based on the findings, a comprehensive entrepreneurial training program was proposed to further enhance SME owners’ managerial, technical, financial, and marketing capabilities. The study highlights the importance of demographic and experiential factors in entrepreneurial development and provides empirical guidance for targeted capacity-building initiatives.

Keywords: small and medium enterprise (SME), entrepreneurial skills, entrepreneurial competencies, demographic profile, capacity building