Kanpur Philosophers ISSN 2348-8301, Volume-9, Issue-2, No. 8, 2022 Page | 35 Kanpur Philosophers ISSN 2348-8301 International Journal of humanities, Law and Social Sciences Published biannually by New Archaeological & Genological Society Kanpur India Vol. IX, Issue II (C) : 2022 THE INFLUENCE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON FIRM PERFORMANCE – A STUDY AMONG THE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF TAMILNADU M.Reshma Full time Research scholar*, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Tamilnadu, India : reshmasalavudeen@gmail.com Dr.B.Sripirabaa Associate Professor, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Tamilnadu, India Abstract: Women entrepreneurship holds multiple benefits to the Nation’s economy and the life of its citizens. It is believed to be a viable option to improve the economy and result in its unprecedented growth. Though women entrepreneurs are growing in number, majority of their firms remain smaller in size. In order to understand the factors that could help their firms perform better, it becomes pertinent to evaluate the abilities and competencies of the entrepreneurs leading them. Competencies are the right mix of skills and abilities that help individuals perform well in their respective jobs. Emotional intelligence on the other hand gives an individual motivation and self-directedness that helps them exhibit goal oriented behavior. It is also responsible for the personal and social competency of the individual. This again is necessary for individuals involved in entrepreneurship. Hence the present study examines the influence of Entrepreneurial Competencies and Emotional Intelligence on the Firm performance of Women Entrepreneurs. The study also examines if the firm performance influences the satisfaction with their entrepreneurial life. Data was collected from 771 women entrepreneurs across Tamilnadu using Systematic Random sampling method. Structural Equation Modeling using WARP PLS was carried out and the findings reveal that Entrepreneurial Competencies and Emotional Intelligence positively influence the Firm performance and Entrepreneurial Life Satisfaction of the respondents. The study employs the Resource Based view theory of Entrepreneurship to propose and test the study propositions. Introduction Entrepreneurship drives the economy and is the best remedy for economic difficulties like poverty, rising unemployment levels and a volatile economy faced by the nations around the world. Women Entrepreneurship apart from improving the economy is advantageous for the entrepreneur as well as the society. It improves the standard of living and provides career opportunities for the entrepreneur/founder. Such entrepreneurial ventures also provide employment opportunities for others; reduce the commodity prices and aid in wealth creation for other associated businesses while increasing cash flow and profits. Apart from this, it widens the knowledge of the entrepreneur providing them valuable experiences and satisfaction with their lives.