Abstract

The aim of this research is to analyze the entrepreneurial competencies that characterize women in the Southeast region of Brazil, who face some financial limitations in relation to the day-to-day challenges of their businesses. The research is classified as exploratory, intending to explain the phenomenon studied based on the point of view of the research subjects. Seven female participants were involved in an entrepreneurship program in São Paulo city and financed by an American bank. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews, followed by a flexible questionnaire. The data analysis was based on the content analysis and classified into three blocks: Category 1 – decisive factors in beginning the business; Category 2 – challenges and obstacles in the entrepreneurial career; Category 3 - competencies developed and under development during the trajectory. The results reveal that female entrepreneurs have a perception of their potentialities, limitations, desires and concerns within a scope of cognitive and affective competencies. They recognize the importance of developing perception of opportunity, business and applying leadership competencies. Interpersonal skills, commitment and social perception are sets of entrepreneurial competencies that contribute to their businesses. It is evident that although fragmented in theory, cognitive and affective aspects are, in practice, indissociable.

Key words: Women entrepreneurs, competencies, cognitive, affective aspects.