Relationship between perception of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and social entrepreneurial intentions in associations in Manabí

This research analyzes the relationship between the perception of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and social entrepreneurial intent in associations in the province of Manabí, in order to understand how the structural and cultural conditions of the environment affect the willingness of associative actors to undertake social entrepreneurship. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, correlational approach was applied. The population consisted of 111 members belonging to the ASOTEX, AMUCOMT, and ASOPROCOMSAL associations. A validated questionnaire with 14 Likert-type items was used, with a Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient greater than 0.80. The data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. A low and significant positive correlation (r = 0.273; p = 0.009) was found between the perception of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the intention to engage in social entrepreneurship. The members reported a favorable environment with access to training, advice, and support programs, as well as a high willingness to develop initiatives aimed at collective well-being.