Nivel educativo y éxito empresarial en mujeres emprendedoras: evidencia estructural en ecosistemas andinos

This study examines the influence of educational level on the business success of women entrepreneurs in the Mantaro Valley, an Andean productive ecosystem characterized by high informality and predominantly local markets. From a human capital perspective, educational level is conceptualized as a factor that strengthens cognitive and managerial capabilities, thereby enhancing business performance. A quantitative explanatory study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 359 women entrepreneurs. Prior to the main data collection, a pilot study with 80 participants was carried out to refine the instrument and improve item clarity. Instrument validity was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, while the relationships between constructs were estimated using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM). The findings indicate that educational level has a positive and statistically significant effect on business success (β = 0.49; p < 0.001). In the estimated model, business success is conceptualized as a latent construct composed of business management and financial solidity, reflecting organizational capability and economic stability. The results suggest that, in institutionally constrained contexts, educational level enhances strategic decision-making, operational capabilities, and market adaptability, thereby constituting a key resource for the sustainability of women-led enterprises in Andean productive ecosystems.