Nurturing entrepreneurial women

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on micro-level women entrepreneurs from a developing country, India (n = 180), their educational and developmental needs and impact on their business performances and growth. Design/methodology/approach – Thirty participants (1:10 ratio) were selected from each cohort/location based on prescribed eligibility criteria covering various backgrounds and industry profiles from six cohorts across India. Findings – It was found that entrepreneurship education and development programs resulted in revenue growth and also employment generation, thereby impacting society at large. This study also demonstrated improvement of self-confidence levels and strategic thinking by the women entrepreneurs, which benefited their business performances and growth. Social implications – Because this study is first of its kind from a developing country like India, it also contributes to entrepreneurship literature by examining and confirming employment generation and thereby impacting society at large (multiplier effects). This study is also unique in the context of the developing world in explicating the impact of education programs and its impact on revenue growth and profitability, which is considered as a major factor for economic development. Originality/value – This is purely an original study carried out in India.