Financial Capacity and Investment in Entrepreneurship by University Students: A New Employment Profile in Ecuador (Esprint Investigación)

Summary

• A study conducted at the Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo surveyed a sample of 406 students from a population of 9,690 to evaluate student financial capacity for entrepreneurial investment.p.1
• Students record an average monthly income of USD 119.92 against average monthly expenses of USD 117.86, resulting in a marginal positive difference of USD 2.06.p.7
• Effective savings capacity among university students stands at 1.72% of their income, corresponding to USD 2.06 per month.p.8
• A significant 60.8% of surveyed students report having received no business training during their university education.p.10

Key insights

1. Students experience tight economic conditions with average monthly income reaching USD 119.92 and expenditure totaling USD 117.86.p.7
2. The average monthly savings rate of students is limited to 1.72% of income, equivalent to USD 2.06.p.8
3. Over six out of ten students (60.8%) report receiving no university business training to prepare for entrepreneurship.p.10
4. In Ecuador, 38 accredited business incubators exist, but only 15 belong to universities and only 1 operates in Chimborazo province.p.2
5. For parents or guardians supporting students, employment relationships (34.5%) and service activities (26.4%) represent the primary income sources.p.6
6. Lack of financing (60.60%) and financial risk (56.1%) are identified as the primary barriers preventing students from launching businesses.p.14
7. Approximately 37% of students possess above-average income levels, representing the segment with potential financial capacity for investment.p.16