A Study ofWomen Entrepreneurship in SME’s in India

Abstract

Over the years, there is a rapid growth of women entrepreneurs all over the world. In India, in the year 1981, only 5.2 percent of women in total were self employed, but as per Census 2001, this figure has risen to 11.2 percent and if the prevailing trend continues it is likely that in another ten years women will comprise 20 percent of the entrepreneurial force. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent the backbone of local economies in most developing countries. Yet, most of these enterprises remain in the informal sector because they lack the ability to grow beyond the neighbourhood and comply with the demands of the complex business environment in the formal sector. This paper focuses on identifying the problems unique to women entrepreneurs in setting up the business. Women are equally competent in running business but still lacks behind in spite of the women empowerment movement in our country, there are social, cultural and economic hurdles in the way of women entrepreneurship and the major problem is the lack of an entrepreneurial environment. Inspite of having the potential and talent, women are deprived of opportunities, information and education. The literature review for the study includes all documentary material relevant to women entrepreneurship development such as published and unpublished official reports from District Industry Centres, State industrial development corporation, Directorate of industries & commerce, periodicals & web sites of government & non-governmental organizations, statistics, books, articles etc over a period of time which forms the secondary data. SMEs may need more than microcredit to succeed. They need access to affordable credit and create a network of partners in the public and the private sector that actively assist them in improving their product or service to a level that meets the regulatory standards and in the effective marketing. Right efforts on from all areas are required in the development of women entrepreneurs and their greater participation in the entrepreneurial activities. Well researched and relevant market information as well as timely communication of changing opportunities and challenges in export and domestic markets is highly relevant for making the right business decisions.