“Estudio económico del impacto postpandemia de las Pymes en el cantón Riobamba, provincia de Chimborazo, año 2022.”

Abstract

The main objective of this research work was to develop a study of the post-pandemic economic impact on small and medium-sized companies (SMBs) in the Riobamba canton during 2022 to know their current situation and set improvement strategies. This research methodology involved a mixed approach, that is, qualitative and quantitative. A non-experimental cross-sectional design was necessary since neither data nor variables were manipulated in a certain period. The population of this study included the 148 owners of SMBs in the Riobamba canton. Also, it was possible to collect essential information after addressing 104 surveys to determine how the COVID-19 Pandemic had affected them. Additionally, an interview addressed to the Chamber of Small Chimborazo Industries president was helpful in the data collection process. Through the applied methodology, it was possible to determine the adverse effect of the pandemic in the sales and income of the SMBs and how they are currently affected. For this reason, it was proposed to establish improvement and growth strategies through objectives, goals, methodology, contribution, and monitoring. In addition, schemes and models were provided to facilitate their implementation. Finally, the impact of the pandemic persists to this day, with small businesses being the most affected. This situation has made it difficult for SMB owners to recover their income or sales after two years, making them weak to unforeseen changes, mainly in the economic field. Therefore, addressing this type of problem is recommended to help boost the canton's economy, in addition to following up on the problems identified.