Análisis de la falta de inclusión financiera y su relación con los préstamos ilegales en los emprendedores del sector popular y solidario del mercado de Cotocollao de la ciudad de Quito, año 2025

Abstract

Abstract: The study analyzed low financial inclusion and its relationship with informal lending among entrepreneurs at the Cotocollao Market in Quito during 2025. The problem is linked to the persistence of illegal financing that undermines the stability of local microbusinesses. The objective was to diagnose socioeconomic conditions, measure access to formal financial services, and identify factors that explain repeated reliance on informal credit. A quantitative, descriptive correlational approach was used, employing surveys with a structured questionnaire. The population consisted of 91 entrepreneurs, all of whom were surveyed under a census design. Data were processed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. The results show that more than 60% do not access formal credit due to lack of collateral, cumbersome procedures, and distrust; moreover, urgent liquidity needs drive demand for short-term chulco loans with high costs. An association was observed between lower financial literacy, business informality, and prior delinquency and the likelihood of turning to illegal credit. In addition, low digital adoption, limited knowledge of microcredit and savings accounts, and negative perceptions of cooperatives and banks constrain bankability. The study concludes that financial exclusion in Cotocollao is multidimensional and reproduces regressive debt cycles, jeopardizing working capital and the resilience of microenterprises. It is recommended to strengthen financial literacy, simplify requirements, expand microcredit with flexible guarantees, promote banking correspondents and digital tools, and link the popular and solidarity sector with municipal inclusion programs. The findings provide evidence to guide local policies and intermediation strategies tailored to the market s profile.