Abstract

The study explored the interplay of entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial ecosystem, and their effect on microfinance enterprises within the Davao Region, Philippines. Using adapted survey questionnaires, a representative sample of 300 microfinance enterprise owners were randomly selected to participate in this research. The findings unveiled a robust perception among owners regarding the high levels of the three key constructs under investigation. Notably, the study established a substantial and favorable correlation between entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial success. Moreover, it highlighted a similarly positive and noteworthy relationship between the entrepreneurial ecosystem and entrepreneurial success. Furthermore, employing hierarchical logistic regression allowed for an in-depth exploration of the moderating effect of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The study unearthed a profoundly significant moderation on the relationship between entrepreneurial skills and success, with more conducive ecosystems indicating a stronger correlation between entrepreneurial skills and success. In essence, the study underscores the vital importance of both entrepreneurial skills and the broader ecosystem within which microfinance enterprises operate. It emphasizes that while entrepreneurial skills are crucial, the supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem significantly amplifies their contribution on achieving entrepreneurial success in the context of microfinance firms in Davao Region.

Keywords: entrepreneurial ecosystem, entrepreneurial skills, entrepreneurial success, micro enterprises

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