02845nam a2200277 4500 14205 14205 Ref 373.07 P411 2026 The perception and attitudes of SME owners in iloilo City toward a stock exchange for small and medium enterprises (SME's) : a correlational study / by MJ Louise D. Torre, Desia S. Hayag, Raymond excel S. Jaen, and Gabrielle Janna G. Reyes. [Iloilo City] : [Ateneo de Iloilo], c2026. 63 p. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute approximately 35% of GDP and 70% of total employment. Despite their economic significance, SMEs face a financing gap, limiting their capacity for sustainable growth and expansion. This study examined the levels of awareness, perception, and attitude of SME owners in Iloilo City toward a SME stock exchange, and analyzed the relationships among these variables. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed, involving 53 SME owners selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered via structured online survey questionnaires using four- and five-point Likert-scale items. Descriptive statistics determined the levels of each variable, while Spearman's rank-order correlation and multiple regression analyses were applied to assess associations and predictive relationships. Results revealed that respondents demonstrated a moderate level of awareness, a favorable perception of the potential benefits of an SME stock exchange, and a generally positive attitude toward participation. Medium-sized enterprises and businesses with higher total assets showed greater awareness and more positive perceptions than smaller, less-capitalized firms. Spearman's correlation confirmed strong, statistically significant positive relationships among all three variables. Multiple regression analysis indicated that awareness and perception accounted for 64.1% of the variance in attitude, with perception identified as the stronger predictor. These findings suggest that SME owners' willingness to participate in an SME stock exchange is shaped by both their awareness and perception about its potential benefits. The study offers actionable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and regulators seeking to strengthen financial literacy and develop more accessible equity financing platforms. 300-399 Coconut fiber. Banana fibers. Cocos nucifera. Musa paradisiaca. Sanitary products. Antimicrobial agents. Sustainable products. Biodegradable products. Plant fibers. Torre, MJ Louise D. Hayag, Desia S. Jaen, Raymond Excel S. Reyes, Gabrielle Janna G. ddc BK 0 0 ddc 0 0 REF HSL HSL REF 2026-06-18 Donation D-220 Ref 373.07 P411 2026 HSD-220 2026-07-14 1 2026-06-18 BK