Challenges and Prospects Of Women Entrepreneurship In Micro And Small Enterprises The Case Of Asella Town

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the challenges and prospects of women entrepreneurs in MSEs. It also addressed the business characteristics of women entrepreneurs in MSEs. A sample of 124 women entrepreneurs engaged in 5 sectors was taken for the study using stratified sampling. In the process of answering the basic questions, a questionnaire that include demographic profiles, the business characteristics of women entrepreneurs in MSEs, Challenges related with Business startup of women entrepreneurs in MSEs, Changes related to socio economic parameters and Future prospects of women entrepreneurs in MSE was designed in a closed ended , likert scales and open ended . In addition to strength the primary data the researcher also use some secondary data. Moreover, interviews were held with top official of MSEs and process owners. After the data has been collected, it was analyzed using simple statistical techniques (frequency, tables and percentages).The results of the study indicates that lack of workplace , working capital, over tax loaded and bureaucracy in the stake holders office were the most bottle necks of the women entrepreneurs to start up their business. It also show lack of training given for women entrepreneurs in city administration were very low; even the training given was mostly focus on theoretical concepts than deep-rooted practical trainings. The study also found that even though there were so many economic and administrative challenges are still very dangerous the discrimination of women entrepreneurs, society attitudes toward their business and cultural factors toward women entrepreneurs’ were highly minimized. The attitude of the women toward the MSE is changed. Most of them accept that MSE is the best solution to solve their economic problem. Based on the major findings, recommendations were forwarded to existing and potential entrepreneurs, SME office and other concerned bodies.