PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES: A STRATEGIC BUSINESS IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH FOR BS ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENTS

Entrepreneurship is a vital driver of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. This study assessed the entrepreneurial preparedness of Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BSE) students at the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), focusing on their knowledge, skills, and attitudes, as well as the challenges they face in developing sustainable entrepreneurial competencies. A descriptive research design was employed to capture perceptions from 332 students across all year levels and 13 faculty members using a validated structured questionnaire. Results showed that students demonstrated strong knowledge in management, corporate social responsibility, intellectual property, and value chain concepts. Skills were rated at an overall weighted mean of 4.02/5.00, with strengths in adaptability, task delegation, and communication, but gaps in negotiation, financial planning, and strategic marketing. Attitudinally, students exhibited high levels of perseverance, resilience, and passion, though confidence in creativity and innovation was less evident. Faculty and student assessments were consistent, suggesting shared perceptions of preparedness. Students also cited barriers such as financial limitations, managerial competence gaps, psychological pressures, and teamwork issues. To address these challenges, a sustainable business implementation plan was proposed, integrating experiential learning, mentorship, industry immersion, and sustainability-focused training. The findings provide actionable insights for educators, students, and policymakers, highlighting the need to strengthen entrepreneurial competencies that contribute to individual career success, national development, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).