Investigating female entrepreneurship: a micro-perspective of drivers and barriers for aspiring and experienced women entrepreneurs

Giulia Nevi (), Chiara Ancillai (), Federica Pascucci () and Rosa Palladino ()
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Giulia Nevi: Università Politecnica delle Marche
Chiara Ancillai: Università Politecnica delle Marche
Federica Pascucci: Università Politecnica delle Marche
Rosa Palladino: IUL Telematic University

International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 2025, vol. 21, issue 1, No 11, 28 pages

Abstract: Abstract Gender equality represents a priority goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Women everywhere run significant businesses, generating positive impacts on society. However, they still face numerous obstacles to starting and sustaining entrepreneurial activities. Extant literature, while increasingly acknowledging the importance of women’s entrepreneurship, often overlooks the nuanced differences between aspirant and experienced female entrepreneurs. This study aims to address this gap by adopting a micro perspective and examining the commonalities and differences in the drivers and barriers to entrepreneurship among aspirant and experienced women entrepreneurs in Italy. Through semi-structured interviews conducted between September and December 2022, this exploratory study sheds light on the factors influencing women’s entrepreneurial endeavors in a developed economy. We identified seven main themes: knowledge as gap for both, the role of technology, external support, socio-cultural background, network ties, territory concern, and personal dimension. Findings underscore the importance of understanding diverse backgrounds, motivations, and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, offering insights for academic research. While at a general level factors and barriers are similar, at a micro level there are differences that could jeopardize both the success of this path in the start-up phase and its survival in the long term. The study also offers valuable practical implications by highlighting that women entrepreneurs should focus on idea validation, financial resources, networking, knowledge, and cultural stereotypes. At a policy level, tailored support strategies are recommended, including streamlined funding application processes and targeted training initiatives as well as measures to reduce socio-cultural barriers.

Keywords: Female entrepreneurship; Entrepreneur barriers; Entrepreneurial opportunities; Experience and nascent entrepreneur; Entrepreneurial behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11365-024-01012-1

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