Mapping Skills with Performance: A Study on Women Entrepreneurs

Purpose: "This study examines the impact of key entrepreneurial skills—Technical Skills, Managerial Skills, Entrepreneurial Skills, and Personal Maturity Skills—on the performance of women entrepreneurs in North India." The research aims to identify which skills contribute most to business success and sustainability in the MSME sector. Design/Methodology: A causal and descriptive research design with a quantitative approach was employed. "Data was collected through a structured questionnaire from a sample of 383 women entrepreneurs operating in MSMEs across North India. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships between entrepreneurial skills and business performance." Approach: The study utilized a survey-based method, incorporating validated scales to measure key entrepreneurial skills and their impact on business performance. "SEM was applied to test the proposed model and validate the significance of each skill category." Findings: The results indicate that Entrepreneurial Skills and Managerial Skills have the strongest positive impact on business performance. Technical Skills play a significant role in operational efficiency, while Personal Maturity Skills contribute to resilience and long-term business growth. The findings suggest that a balanced combination of these skills enhances the overall performance and sustainability of women-led businesses in North India. Conclusion: "Entrepreneurial skills are critical determinants of business performance among women entrepreneurs in the MSME sector. Policymakers and business development organizations should focus on skill enhancement programs tailored to women entrepreneurs to promote sustainable growth and competitiveness." Limitations: The study is limited to North India and MSME enterprises, which may restrict generalizability to other regions or larger businesses. Self-reported data may also introduce response bias. Future Scope: Future research can explore industry-specific variations in skill impact, comparative studies between different regions, and the role of external factors such as financial support and policy interventions in enhancing entrepreneurial skills.