This research proposal presents the results of an analysis of the factors that influence the failure of enterprises and their sustainability in the urban area of the city of Riobamba. Ecuador is one of the countries with the highest rate of entrepreneurship in Latin America, however, there is very little innovation. The analysis focused on external and internal factors, which promote and at the same time limit the entrepreneurial process. Respectively, these factors are the current situation of the country associated with the health crisis, financing, market conditions, lack of technical knowledge at the time of entrepreneurship, and the lack of technical knowledge at the time of entrepreneurship. Data were collected through a survey applied to 21 entrepreneurs, in which general information was obtained about the entrepreneur, factors that affect entrepreneurship and the sustainability of the enterprise. The authors hope that the results of the survey will intensify the discussion among public, nongovernmental and private sector actors, universities, and other actors in the ecosystem on policies that stimulate the emergence of new companies and the strengthening of existing ones.

.