Enhancing SME performance in East Java through competency development, leadership, entrepreneurial intent, and resilience

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are crucial in economic growth and industrial diversification. Despite their importance, SMEs encounter challenges of intense competition, global market penetration, and rapid technological advancements. This study explores the factors affecting SME performance, focusing on entrepreneurial competence, leadership, and intention. A survey was conducted involving 400 SME respondents in East Java, Indonesia. The data were analyzed using a quantitative approach and the PLS-SEM method. The findings indicate that entrepreneurial competence and intention significantly influence entrepreneurial resilience and SME performance. Specifically, entrepreneurial competence has a path coefficient of 0.348 on entrepreneurial resilience and 0.567 on SME performance, both significant with p-value < 0.05. Entrepreneurial intention has a path coefficient of 0.649 on entrepreneurial resilience and –0.722 on SME performance, both significant with p-value < 0.05. These results highlight the necessity of enhancing entrepreneurial competencies and intentions to boost SMEs’ resilience and performance. Entrepreneurs and policymakers should focus on training and development programs to reinforce these competencies and intentions, thereby promoting an environment that supports innovation and prudent risk-taking.