Factors Affecting Success Of Women Entrepreneurs In Micro And Small Enterprises :The Case Nekemte Town

Abstract

Entrepreneurship today is an area that is given due consideration by government in developing countries like Ethiopia as they are key solution for employment. Women entrepreneurs are also one of the ways out for employment and contribution to the development of the country even though it was challenged by different factors. Therefore, this thesis is designed to assess factors affecting success of women entrepreneurs in MSEs. The characteristics of women entrepreneurs in MSEs and the supports they obtain from TVET colleges/institutes are also addressed. A sample of 204 was taken for the study using stratified and simple random sampling from women entrepreneurs engaged in construction, textile, food and beverage, urban agriculture and municipality sectors. A questionnaire that include demographic profiles, characteristics of women entrepreneurs and their enterprises, factors that influence the success of women entrepreneurs in MSEs and supports MSEs acquire from TVETs was designed in a closed ended and likert scales for answering the basic questions was used. In addition to questionnaire, interviews were held with top officials of MSEs, micro finances and TVET educators. Data collected was analyzed using tables, graphs and percentages and descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviations).The results of the study indicates the personal characteristics of women entrepreneurs in MSEs and their enterprise affect their success .It also shows that lack of own premises(land),financial access, stiff competition, inadequate access to training, access to technology and access to raw materials were the key economic factors that affect the success of women entrepreneurs in MSEs. The study also found that conflicting gender roles, social acceptability and, network with outsiders were the major social factors that affect these entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the main legal/ administrative factors include access to policy makers, high amount of tax and interest, bureaucracies and red tapes, and over all legal and regulatory environments. The study also found that even though TVETs provide technology, machine maintenance, technical skill training and facility supports, co operations in the areas of business related trainings are poor. Recommendations were forwarded to existing and potential entrepreneurs, MSEs, Micro finances and TVET educators based on the major findings.