Entrepreneurial competencies of women ICT start-up

Abstract

Entrepreneurial competencies of business owners are one of the main factors determining the development and competitiveness of economic entities. However, in the scientific literature and research on women, there is not much space devoted to the recognition of their competencies that determine the creation and running of start-ups. There is no doubt that a modern woman-owner of a start-up should not only be characterized by entrepreneurial traits, such as creativity, innovation, motivation to act, or ability to overcome uncertainty, but also possess and apply knowledge and business experience, have strong social skills and the ability to efficiently manage a team, as well as the ability to fulfil the social role of a woman in professional and private environment.Bearing in mind the above characteristics, as well as having identified a research gap concerning the poor identification of competencies of women start-up-owners, it is reasonable to attempt to diagnose their key competencies. In this regard, the below analysis will focus on ICT start-ups, since, according to many reports, such as the Global Start-up Ecosystem Report 2020 or technology innovation report 2021, the majority of start-ups are created and operate in the ICT industry.The aim of this paper will be achieved through the analysis of the literature on the subject which provides the basis for presenting selected results of the author’s own research concerning the competences of women who run ICT start-ups.The COVID-19 pandemic in Poland resulted in the government imposing restrictions on business activity in order to limit the mobility of citizens and thus limit the spread of the virus. As a result of the restrictions, businesses were in some cases deprived of the possibility to make a living. The government of the Republic of Poland applied public aid directed to entrepreneurs under the name "Anti-Crisis Shield" in order to maintain employment, maintain economic activity of enterprises and their liquidity. The following article will present the results of statistical research aimed at answering whether the state aid related to COVID-19 was sufficient and whether it served its purpose.