The Role of Women Entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs are individuals who organize and manage a business. The percentage of women-owned firms in the United States has increased significantly during the last century. Since 1997, there has been a 5% increase in female-owned businesses. However, the role of women in business is not limited to the financial aspects of the enterprise.
Flexibility is a factor in their decision to start a business.
While the decision to become an entrepreneur is a difficult one, many factors contribute to it. First, there are personal factors, such as individual characteristics, personality traits, and motivation. These factors can influence women’s willingness to embark on a venture and their choice to become an entrepreneur. The family environment and social support can help fuel the entrepreneurial spirit. Studies by Aldrich and Cliff (2003) and Kirkwood (2007) suggest that these factors play a significant role in women’s decision to start a business.
Another factor that influences women to become entrepreneurs is flexibility. A study of female entrepreneurs in North Cyprus found that many had started their businesses without previous business activity in their families. Instead, they had seen an opportunity in a particular market and liked establishing their own company.
Despite the numerous benefits of flexible working hours, women often find it challenging to balance work and family life demands. Interestingly, many women cite flexible hours as a factor in their decision to start a business. For example, 30% of women entrepreneurs had operations in both production and service, and two women had staffs of 70 and 125 people.
Family support
Family support for women entrepreneurs is critical to success, but women must be reminded not to neglect their private sphere. Unlike men, women cannot ignore their family concerns and focus exclusively on their professional careers. However, contemporary gender relations expect women to put aside their family concerns and prioritize their professional jobs. This assumption is reflected in the absence of questions on emotional support for female entrepreneurs, nor does it appear in interviews with senior government officials or entrepreneurs.
Most women use their business contacts for trade information, problem-solving, and personal support. However, they rarely rely on their business links for emotional support, often provided by partners or children. However, women who have young children do not have as much difficulty staying in touch with business associates. Most women with preschool children do not use government services or professional associations as a resource for business-related support.
