Indigenous Entrepreneurship In Guaranda, Ecuador: An Analysis Of The Gaps And Challenges Faced By Indigenous Communities

Abstract

Indigenous entrepreneurship, considered both a survival strategy and a means to strengthen economic and cultural autonomy, has experienced notable growth in recent years. Indigenous peoples, with their rich cultural diversity and traditional knowledge, possess unprecedented potential to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. This research employed a qualitative and ethnographic methodology, focusing on indigenous entrepreneurs as the subject of study, the results revealed a diversity of economic activities, with agriculture, livestock, and tourism standing out. Identified barriers include a lack of business education, difficulties in financing, and limited access to technology. Traditional practices and cultural identity influence entrepreneurial endeavors and their relationship with the economic and social environment. Overcoming these barriers will promote sustainable economic development and the well-being of indigenous communities.