<![CDATA[Culinary MSMEs play a crucial role in supporting the regional economy, including in Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. However, sole proprietorships in this sector still face significant challenges, particularly related to limited access to capital. This study aims to explore the relationship between limited capital and the sustainability of sole proprietorships in the culinary sector in Kolaka Regency, considering influencing factors such as family support, local government policies, and local market dynamics. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. Informants were purposively selected from sole proprietorships in the culinary sector who had been operating their businesses for at least two years. The results show that limited capital is not only a simple financial barrier but also directly impacts the business's ability to innovate, maintain product quality, expand market reach, and survive competition. Most entrepreneurs rely on personal capital and informal loans from family, while access to formal financial institutions remains very limited due to complicated administrative procedures and low financial literacy. Business sustainability is heavily influenced by personal adaptation strategies, community support, and the gradual building of customer trust. This study recommends strengthening financial literacy, simplifying credit access procedures, and enhancing local government involvement in building a more environmentally friendly business ecosystem for local culinary MSMEs.]]>
