scholarly journals Empowering Female Entrepreneurs at the 2018 WIE ILC Start-Up Pitch Competition [Society News]

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-8
Author(s):  
Joseph Wei ◽  
Wenbo Yin
1970 ◽  
pp. 17-25
Author(s):  
Yusuf Sidani

This study attempts to sketch a profile of young female entrepreneurs in the Arab region as they start their business organisations and take the first few steps in the development of their business. It attempts to draw a profile of a number of local Emirati women entrepreneurs and their characteristics, what attracts them to their businesses, and the hurdles they face as they enter into their line of business. In addition, it outlines the makeup of their entrepreneurial businesses, and identifies some barriers that women face at the start-up stage, in addition to their entrepreneurial motivations and driving forces, satisfactions, and frustrations. This is preceded by a brief overview of models of female entrepreneurship and an exploration of previous research into female entrepreneurship and women status in the Arab region. To accomplish this, we conducted thirteen interviews with young female entrepreneurs to assess the special challenges facing them as they go about starting and running their business ventures. We tried to gauge the interviewees’ entrepreneurial activities, their satisfaction with their business ventures, and the perceived opportunities and obstacles that they face. While this study explores the specific case of the UAE, the wider implications on young female Arab entrepreneurs are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
Justin O’Brien

‘Establishing a retro-marketing rental company: VW Kamper’ is a teaching case study primarily targeted for postgraduate and advanced undergraduate entrepreneurship, marketing and management students who are seeking to learn a range of small business start-up business planning and evaluation methods. The case draws theoretically on the brand revival characteristic framework of Brown, Kozinets and Sherry to consider the allure of renting a nostalgic Volkswagen (VW) campervan for a glamorous camping experience while relating some of the growing literature pertaining to the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. The case provides financial and marketing contextual information to practically engage students with an intriguing and authentic motorhome rental service concept to help develop financial reasoning skills related to new ventures and risk.


VINE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Paoloni ◽  
John Dumay

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how relational capital contributes to the startup phase of women-owned micro-enterprises. The motivation for the study stems from the fact that micro-enterprises are key drivers of economic growth and that woman entrepreneurs are key developers of these businesses. Design/methodology/approach – To gather data for our study, a qualitative research methodology was adopted using a case study approach based on examining current events of real life in depth (Yin, 2009). Nine cases of micro-enterprises run by women are analysed, focusing on the management of the start-up phase to investigate the nature and role of the relationships that are activated by the entrepreneurs. Findings – The paper develops the CAOS model of micro-entrepreneurship, examining the personal characteristics of the female entrepreneur (C); the environment in which the micro-enterprise operates (A); organizational and managerial aspects (O); and the motivations for starting a new business (S). Using this model, the authors’ are able to link these factors and classify different types of connections, it is possible to identify the kind of existing relations. From the analysis, it was found that a predominant use of networks characterized by informal and permanent relations, supporting the need to reconcile work and family and to involve relatives and friends in the network. This emphasizes the lack of strategy in the female-run micro-enterprises. Originality/value – Given that female entrepreneurship is regarded as central to the development and welfare of economies, the deepening of knowledge of how women entrepreneurs manage the start-up of her business can contribute to improving the effectiveness policies aimed at promoting the participation of female entrepreneurs in the economy.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ute Pascher ◽  
Melanie Roski ◽  
Brigitte Halbfas

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to promote better understanding of different women entrepreneurs and self-employed women with regard to their educational level and field of study. Foremost, the aim is providing detailed knowledge about the phenomenon of women self-employed chemists in R & D sectors and throwing light not only on the single women but also on the general conditions they are working in and their opportunities to get ahead. Design/methodology/approach – The interdisciplinary research team followed an integrated research approach and combined qualitative with quantitative methods. By focussing on motives and causes of women self-employed chemists, this paper refers to the findings of two sub-studies, an online survey on self-employed (female and male) chemists in Germany and a qualitative study on the basis of biographical interviews tracing the professional biographies of women self-employed chemists. Moreover, the findings are analysed based on other sub-studies, like the analysis of the (start-up) conditions within the chemical industry and a discourse analysis of a well-known chemical periodical. Findings – It was found that the differences between female and male chemists turning self-employed or starting a business are less pronounced than the differences between male and female founders, in general. Research demonstrates that women chemists do have high qualifications and if they become entrepreneurs, the main cause for that is escaping their organisational employment. Being entrepreneurially active, women chemists might work more satisfactorily, at least they are able to surround the glass ceiling. Originality/value – This paper seeks to fill the gap of limited in-depth information on knowledge about female entrepreneurs and self-employed women with an academic background in chemistry. Focussing on one single field of study and profession of female entrepreneurs is, in that way, unique, as the research has looked on professionals who are not predestined for entry in entrepreneurship.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 408-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fauzia Jabeen ◽  
Mohd Nishat Faisal ◽  
Huda Al Matroushi ◽  
Sherine Farouk

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the innovation decisions of Emirati women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach This study uses a two-phased approach. In the first phase, empirical research on 50 Emirati female entrepreneurs is conducted to discover the extent of innovation in their ventures. In the second phase, the study uses an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to prioritize factors considered important in facilitating business innovation among SMEs. The AHP model is developed with 9 criteria and 25 sub-criteria based on the previous literature. Face-to-face interviews are conducted with Emirati female entrepreneurs operating nascent (n = 10), start-up (n = 10) and established innovative (n = 10) businesses to collect data for the AHP study. The data collected are interpreted and a priority vector is assigned to each criterion and sub-criterion. Findings Female SME owners prioritize government policies, research and development, innovation strategy and skill development as the main criteria that influence their innovation decisions. Family support, access to external financing, social networks and the allocation of funds are the main sub-criteria affecting their decisions to be innovative. Furthermore, respondents who are in the nascent business stage consider family motivation as the greatest influence on initiating new ideas through financial and moral support. Among all respondents, the nascent business owners rank skill development the highest because they are still in the initial stages of their business journeys, and thus, obtaining these skills could help them increase innovation and success in their ventures. However, respondents in the established stage rank innovation strategy the highest. Research limitations/implications The study results can help policymakers and women’s associations, such as businesswomen councils, identify the specific inhibitors and facilitators linked to innovation and, thereby, help develop various effective policies to promote innovation among Emirati women-owned SMEs. Originality/value The study is one attempt to facilitate innovation among Emirati women-owned SMEs through its efforts to discover the determinants of innovation efforts at nascent, start-up and established business stages as defined by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (2012). The study can help Emirati women-owned SMEs understand the critical factors influencing innovation and can encourage them to incorporate innovative characteristics for business growth and resilience. Furthermore, the study can provide insights for policymakers, financial institutions and non-governmental organizations on factors hindering innovation among Emirati women-owned SMEs, which may serve as a tool for creating resilience among female entrepreneurs.


Author(s):  
Firdouse Khan ◽  
◽  
Adil Bakheet ◽  
Iman Al Maktoumi ◽  
Noura Al Jahwari ◽  
...  

Purpose: The research objective was to critically analyze the factors responsible for the gender differences in Oman Entrepreneurship and to critically analyze the prevailing gender differences amongst the motivating factors and the survival factors in running the businesses in Oman. Design/methodology/approach: The research data was collected using a well-structured questionnaire and the data was obtained personally. 381 samples were collected from the population who were reported to be successful entrepreneurs. The selection was obtained from the entrepreneurs’ list provided by the Government Scheme Agencies in Oman like SANAD/RIYADA and the analysis was done using SPSS. Findings: The study revealed that both genders considered ‘To obtain a social status’, ‘To use innovative ideas’, ‘To become own boss’, and ‘Success of other entrepreneurs’ as the motivating factors. Further, males have also considered experiences and professional contacts whereas females have considered working independently and excelling with their self-confidence. The study also revealed that both genders insisted on Start-up capital, Self-confidence, Working capital, and Previous business experience, and Religious consciousness factors as the essential factors to run the businesses. Further, male entrepreneurs considered Training as one of the factors required to run the business whereas the female entrepreneurs considered the Right choice of location as a required factor. Research limitations/implications: It is recommended to address the gender differences of entrepreneurship in policies to support private-sector development in Oman and to design effective Entrepreneurship education programs for the future. It is required to follow up on the performance of the female-owned entrepreneurial start-ups so that their goals and objectives can be successfully fulfilled during their life cycle. It is also suggested that the training should be considered essential when designing strategies and policies stimulating entrepreneurial activity for both male and female entrepreneurs. Social implications: Through gender differences, the trends in marketing can be identified which will help to raise awareness for how to improve global marketing standards. Facilitating timely finance in the form of start-up capital, working capital is a must as the entrepreneurs in Oman consider financial assistance as a must to run the business. Previous business experience or educating them to gain experience in the line of their business interest will enable the entrepreneurs to become successful entrepreneurs. Originality/Value: There is no study on gender differences that have been carried out in Oman within entrepreneurial activities. This paper examines the gender difference prevailing amidst entrepreneurship in Oman. This research included only the successful entrepreneurs who were advanced under the Governmental Schemes through RIYADA/SANAD, Oman.


Author(s):  
Randolf Von N. Salindo

The research was conducted to investigate the effect of gender on the composition of start-up capital among Bahraini entrepreneurs, particularly those belonging to the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. This research also wants to determine if there is any significant moderating effect of the time commitment (part-time or fulltime); financial management experience; business networking frequency; and, Bahraini women entrepreneurs’ attitude towards risk on the start-up capital requirements (debt and equity) of these entrepreneurs. A total of 89 SME owners participated in the study from September to November 2016. This research proved that there is a significant relationship between gender and financial capital in the case of Bahraini entrepreneurs suggesting that gender has a direct impact on the proportion of bank loans and equity in the total amount of financial start-up capital used. A significant relationship between risk attitude and financial capital was also determined and proved that female entrepreneurs have a lower propensity to take risk than their male counterparts. There was however no significant relationship to prove that time commitment (part-time or fulltime); financial management experience; and, business networking frequency have an impact on SME start-up capital structure. In light of these conclusions from the study, the researcher recommended that government and business agencies in Bahrain remove the barriers to entry for women entrepreneurs, especially in the area of access to capital, not only from banks but also from other financial institutions. He also recommended that the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce Inc. (BCCI), Bahrain Management Society and other likeminded business agencies and organizations take note of the result of this study to come up with trainings and workshops to empower Bahraini women entrepreneurs especially in the area of risk management.


Author(s):  
Glory Amara Enyinnaya

Africa leads the world in the number of women starting businesses, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. Many experts, including the World Economic Forum and the World Bank, believe that the 21st century is Africa's century and that its economic future depends on the success of its female entrepreneurs. Technology entrepreneurship in Africa seems to be on the rise. In 2017, the annual Global Start-Up Ecosystem Report (GSER) ranked the Lagos start-up ecosystem as the most valuable in Africa. In May 2019, the same report by start-up Genome, which researches start-up ecosystems across the world and claims to have data on over one million companies across 150 cities, named Lagos one of 12 “challenger” start-up ecosystems. With the increasing focus on technology and female entrepreneurship in Nigeria, this chapter seeks to chronicle the birth and growth trajectory of two platform companies in Nigeria led by two female African entrepreneurs: Abimbola Adebakin, CEO of Advantage Health Africa, and Glory Enyinnaya, Lead Consultant of Kleos Africa.


Author(s):  
Temitayo Oluwakemi Akinpelu

There is an understanding that cultural practices are intricately linked with other structural factors in shaping gendered involvement, possible options for expansion, and sustainability of business outfits. In Nigeria, these factors affect female entrepreneurs in the start-up process, daily running of businesses, and their survival chances. From a thematic narrative approach, the chapter highlights the intersections of contextual factors that mitigate the involvement, expansion, and sustainability of female-owned enterprises in Nigeria.


1995 ◽  
Vol 03 (04) ◽  
pp. 445-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN BREEN ◽  
CHERYL CALVERT ◽  
JUDY OLIVER

This paper discusses the findings of a survey of female entrepreneurs in Australia and provides a profile of the female entrepreneur and their business activity. The characteristics of the entrepreneur are described, including their motivation for going into business, their attitudes toward training and joining networks. The issues of access to finance and family/business conflict are further investigated in the light of current literature. The results indicate that female entrepreneurs in Australia are well educated and tend to commence their businesses with low start-up capital obtained from personal savings or from family and friends. Their businesses are concentrated in the services sector, with a significant number starting out as home-based businesses. Despite evidence that female entrepreneurs have difficulty in obtaining loan funds, the survey results indicated that a high proportion of female entrepreneurs applying for loans were successful. Further analysis of the survey data indicated that the reason for the loan success had little to do with the strength of the business. This was evidenced by the respondents advising that the main type of information requested at the loan interview was personal financial details, that a high proportion of loans were secured by the family home, and that financial institutions required little in the way of ongoing reporting.


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