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This study was cross-sectional research to find out the factors affecting the performance of women entrepreneurs in SMEs of Bangladesh. The specific objectives were to assess women entrepreneurs' business profiles and environmental facilities that affect the performance of their businesses. The performance of 375 women entrepreneurs was assessed in terms of capital invested, revenues earned, expenses incurred, profits made and employment growth. Face to face interviews and phone interviews were the predominant data collection method. In addition to this, the observation method was also used. The research found that women entrepreneurs were mostly young, married, literate, and experienced by ten to twenty years. They were involved mostly in sole proprietorship of small trades and services rather than in manufacturing. Most of them had been suffering from lack of starter capital, access to the capital market, collateral financing, theoretical knowledge, ICT skilled manpower, and organizational supports. The environmental factors were found to have adverse effects on their entrepreneurial success and most of the women entrepreneurs were found dismayed over the political situation, legislation and tax issues. Nonetheless, women entrepreneurs were found to be playing significant roles in reducing poverty and unemployment despite their struggle to balance business, social and personal lives. |
