Analysis of the Correlation Between Factors Supporting Micro-Entrepreneurship in the Area of the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland
Purpose: The article aims to identify the factors that enable the survival of micro-enterprises in times of economic instability and to examine the strength of the relationship between selected factors. Design/methodology/approach: In 2021–2024, micro-enterprises registered in the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland were surveyed. A research sample of 271 micro-enterprises was selected. Research methods such as interviews and surveys were used. A questionnaire was used as the tool. Findings: Entrepreneurs respond in different ways to the difficult situation their micro-enterprises faced after the pandemic and during the war in Ukraine. This depends on a number of factors, such as a number of years the company has been on the market, the degree of specialization in the domain handled, flexibility in re-branding, ability to obtain external financial and non-financial support, etc. These factors mean that the condition of the micro-enterprises studied is not homogeneous. Data analysis resulted in determining the strength of links between selected factors that could have had an impact on the viability of a micro-enterprise in a dynamically changing environment. Practical implications: Due to the small research sample, the study results cannot be generalized and treated as a picture of the condition of all companies in the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. Further studies, based on a larger research sample, would provide a more comprehensive picture. Originality/value: The negative impact of the 2019 global pandemic has greatly affected micro-enterprises. The military conflict in Ukraine in early 2022 has destabilized global markets. Rising inflation in Poland became even more pronounced after the outbreak of war. Many micro-enterprises faced a difficult situation. Gaining knowledge about the impact of constraints related to the economic situation on the operation of micro-enterprises has become essential in order to develop mechanisms to mitigate negative effects on entrepreneurship based on micro-enterprises.