1Research Scholar, Post Graduate & Research, Department of Commerce, Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College, Chennai, India. Email id akshya0623@gmail.com
2Assistant Professor, Post Graduate & Research, Department of Commerce, Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College, Chennai, India. Email Id karthikakhila@gmail.com
Entrepreneurship is a critical driver of economic growth, innovation, and employment generation. Despite the implementation of multiple government initiatives to promote startups in India, a persistent gap exists between entrepreneurial aspirations and the effective utilization of these schemes.
To examine the demographic profile of prospective entrepreneurs in Chennai, assess their awareness of government initiatives, analyse perceived opportunities, and identify the challenges within the startup ecosystem.
The study adopts an analytical research design based on primary data collected from 144 respondents using a structured questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique was employed. Data were analysed using percentage analysis, Chi-square test, and correlation analysis.
The findings indicate that entrepreneurial aspirations are predominantly concentrated among educated youth. Awareness of government schemes is moderate and unevenly distributed. A statistically significant association was observed between educational qualification and awareness (p < 0.05). Additionally, a positive correlation (r = 0.62, p < 0.01) was identified between awareness and perceived entrepreneurial opportunities.
The study reveals that while entrepreneurial intent is strong, procedural complexity, funding delays, and lack of institutional support remain significant barriers. A clear policy–practice gap exists, emphasizing the need for improved awareness, simplified procedures, and strengthened support systems to enhance the effectiveness of the startup ecosystem.
Entrepreneurship, Government Initiatives, Awareness, Startup Ecosystem, Challenges.
