Within a landscape of digital transformation, global sustainability and increasing economic uncertainty, managerial skills play a fundamental role in the consolidation of entrepreneurship. This analysis set out to determine the competencies with the greatest impact on the success of active entrepreneurs in the 21st century, especially those who are part of the field of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). An instrument validated by experts was used, composed of a Likert-type scale that examined between 10 and 15 fundamental managerial competencies, through a correlational and quantitative descriptive method. The sample included entrepreneurs who had a minimum of two years of formal activity. A statistical analysis was carried out that included the analysis of differences by age, sector and gender, PLS-SEM models, logistic regression and EFA (exploratory factor analysis). The findings indicated that emotional intelligence and transformational leadership are competencies that emerge as relevant predictors of business success, which supports the initial assumption. Functional groupings of competencies and important distinctions between groups were also identified, indicating the need for segmented training programmes. For policymakers, institutions that support companies, and researchers, this study provides a validated model of managerial competencies applicable to today's entrepreneurs. It is concluded that being successful as an entrepreneur not only implies having technical skills, but also improving strategic soft skills that enhance leadership, adaptation, and decision-making in complicated situations.