Socioeconomic Factors and Sustainability of Subsistence Entrepreneurship in Cartagena: A Correlational Analysis
Socioeconomic Factors and Sustainability of Subsistence Entrepreneurship in Cartagena: A Correlational Analysis
Abstract
Subsistence entrepreneurship represents one of the main income-generation alternatives for
vulnerable populations in cities with high levels of labor informality. The objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the
sustainability of subsistence entrepreneurship in Cartagena, Colombia. The methodology was
developed under a quantitative approach with a correlational scope and a non-experimental cross
sectional design. The sample consisted of 150 entrepreneurs from informal commercial sectors
located in urban and peripheral areas of the city. The results revealed significant correlations between
educational level, access to
financing, use of digital tools, and business economic stability. A moderate positive correlation was
found between access to business training and monthly income growth (r = 0.71), as well as a
significant relationship between business formalization and market permanence (r = 0.64). Likewise,
it was identified that ventures with higher levels of financial planning show better operational
sustainability indicators. It is concluded that strengthening entrepreneurial capacities and access to
financial resources are determining factors for improving the sustainability of subsistence
entrepreneurship in vulnerable urban contexts.
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