Microbusiness development and quality of life of microentrepreneurs's families

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aimed at verifying the influence of microcredit in the development of microbusinesses and in the quality of life of the microentrepreneurs' families, using the elaboration of a structural equation model based on the borrowers' perception. Originality/gap/relevance/implications: In the last 15 years, only 9.3% of the studies analyzed (national and international) covered the topic “quality of life after the access to microcredit”. The general goals of the Brazilian National Oriented Productive Microcredit Program (PNMPO) do not mention quality of life, and gaps are yet to be investigated. Key methodological aspects: It was developed a quantitative research, with a probabilistic sample consisting of 250 microentrepreneurs, borrowers of microcredit. Descriptive statistical techniques and analysis of structural equation models were applied with the aid of the softwares SPSS and AMOS. Summary of key results: It was observed that the factor business management exerts positive influence on the access to the media, on leisure and on quality of life. The access to the media and to leisure activities exerts positive influence on the quality of life. The variables used herein, when associated in a predecessor form, explain 54.0% of the transformation in the quality of life of the families benefited. Key considerations/conclusions: The results show the Program preference in benefitting women and encouraging their economic activity. It has been found the absence of joint and several guarantee, but the need for a guarantor for the granting of the loans. The entrepreneurs mostly work in the informal sector, despite government incentives. Through the increase in purchases of consumer goods, education, health and leisure, it was confirmed the improvement in the businesses' and in the quality of life of the families, after the microcredits were granted.