Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently present in all sectors of the economy, especially in the service sector. Its role in local development is vital, and its contribution to labor market integration cannot be disputed, as it has greatly contributed to employment through innovative business ideas. However, SMEs face problems related to resource management, which generates high costs and decreased sales against larger competitors, leading to a reduction in profitability. These problems have led to the development of descriptive and mixed methods designs (e.g., using qualitative methods) to assess the factors that cause imbalances in the sustainability of SMEs based on the study of small and medium-sized businesses in Milagro Canton. This study was performed to determine the weaknesses that affect SMEs, and to aid in the implementation of corrective measures on their competitive management.
