Journal of Entrepreneurship & Management

Shagufta Tariq ¹, Mohd Abass Bhat ², Mohi-Ud-Din Sangmi ³

Affiliations
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting, College of Business Administration, Jazan University, SA
2 Lecturer, Department of Business Studies, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Sultanate of Oman, OM
3 Professor, Department of Commerce, University of Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir, IN

Abstract

The paper aims to explore the connection between microfinance and women entrepreneurship. This paper is based on existing empirical as well as theoretical literature across different contexts. Existing literature supports, microfinance enables disadvantaged section of women to start own micro-enterprises as well as expand already established micro-enterprises. Further, women have been able to generate employment in their micro-enterprises mainly in their localities. However, initial loans are generally diverted towards non-productive uses. These initial loans are seldom used for productive purposes, in some context, due to certain challenges such as small size of loans, frequency in loan repayment, lack of training and knowledge, marketing problems faced by women beneficiaries. It was found that women beneficiaries, however, are able to utilize their subsequent loans for productive purposes i.e. start or grow their microenterprises. The challenges which women confront in starting their own business ventures must be identified and addressed promptly. Further, there is a void in the empirical literature regarding impact estimation of microfinance on women entrepreneurship to be filled.

Keywords

Microfinance, Entrepreneurship, Micro- Enterprises, Poverty

Full Text