Socioeducational Interventions to Strengthen Entrepreneurial Competencies and Economic Inclusion among Family Microenterprises in Latin America: A Systematic Review in Accordance with PRISMA 2020

Abstract

Family microenterprises are a major source of income generation, self-employment, and community cohesion in Latin America; however, limited financial literacy, managerial capabilities, innovation, networks, and institutional coordination often constrain their sustainability. This review examined how socio-educational interventions contribute to entrepreneurial competencies and the economic inclusion of family microenterprises, and identified mechanisms, implementation conditions, and evidence gaps. We conducted a systematic review informed by PRISMA 2020. Because the source manuscript contained a closed bibliographic corpus, identification consisted of an audit of its 29 references: one was the PRISMA methodological guideline and 28 were potentially eligible substantive sources. After applying thematic, temporal (2016–2026), population, and analytical-contribution criteria, we included 28 documents in a narrative and thematic synthesis. We organized evidence into six dimensions: entrepreneurial and financial education; experiential learning and mentoring; innovation and sustainability; social capital and networks; rights-based inclusion; and institutional ecosystem conditions. Findings indicate that the most promising interventions combine contextualized training, mentoring, workplace application, support networks, and connections to financial and digital resources. Stand-alone training can improve knowledge and entrepreneurial intention, but it does not ensure survival, formalization, or income growth without access to markets, capital, social protection, and follow-up. Economic inclusion emerges as a multidimensional outcome—agency, stability, participation, and resilience—rather than merely increased sales. Policies and programs should therefore move from standardized courses toward integrated, territorially grounded, gender-responsive pathways, supported by longitudinal assessment of business and social outcomes. Methodological heterogeneity and the reconstructed nature of the corpus indicate that the search should be updated before journal submission.