“CHALLENGES OF MICRO WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

IN RURAL AREA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO

KOYILANDY TALUK”

PROJECT REPORT

Submitted to the university of Calicut in partial fulfilment of the requirement

for the award bachelor of business administration degree.

S
UBMITTED BY
MUSTHAFA

REG NO: RHASBBAR38

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

SRI. ASWANTH M.R

(Assistant professor in department of

commerce and management studies)

AV ABDURAHIMAN HAJI ARTS AND SCIENCE COLLEGE

KULUPPA CAMPUS PAYYOLI ANGADI
 2018-2021
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND MANAGEMENT
STUDIES

AV ABDURAHIMAN HAJI ARTS AND SCIENCE COLLEGE,

KULUPPA , PAYYOLI ANGADI.

CERTIFICATE

This is certified that the project report entitled “CHALLENGES

OF MICRO WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN RURAL AREA WITH
SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KOYILANDY TALUK” is a Bonafide
work done by MUSTHAFA (REG NO: RHASBBAR38) in
partial fulfilment of degree of bachelor of business
administration 2018-2021 at the college under my supervision
and guidance and that, it is here by approved for submission.

THRESIA V.M ASWANTH M.R

Head of the PG department of Assistant professor in

Commerce and management studies Department of Commerce

 And Management Studies

DECLARATION

I MUSTHAFA hereby declare that the dissertation, entitled

“CHALLENGES OF MICRO WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN
RURAL AREA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KOYILANDY
TALUK” Submitted to Department of bachelor of business administration
AVAH Arts and Science College, in a partial fulfilment for the award of
degree of Bachelor of Business Administration is a record of original
research work done by me during the period 2018-2021 under the
supervision and guidance of SRI. ASWANTH Assistant Professor in
Department of Commerce and Management Studies AVAH Arts and
Science College,

This Project is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the

award of degree of University of Calicut.

Place: MUSTHAFA
Date: Reg No RHASBBAR38

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I take this opportunity to acknowledge with great pleasure deep satisfaction

and gratitude, the contribution of many individuals in the successful
competition of this work.
I express my profound heartfelt gratitude to Principal Prof. HASSAN CK,
AVAH Arts and Science College, Kuluppa. For providing me all
facilities to carry out this research work.

I much obliged to the Head of the PG department of commerce and

management studies Prof. THRESIA V.M for giving this opportunity to
complete this project.

I wish to place on record my deep sense of indebtedness and gratitude to

my research supervisor, SRI.ASWANTH M.R Assistant Professor in
Management Studies for his guidance, advice and valuable suggestions to
carry out and complete this work.

I would express my heartfelt thanks to my beloved parents for their

blessings, my friends and classmates for their help and wishes for the
successful completion of this research work.

MUSTHAFA
Reg No. RHASBBAR38
Chapter Title Page no

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Introduction 2-5

1.2 Statement of the problem 5

1.3 Objectives of the study 6

1.4 Scope & Significance of the study 6

1.5 Research methodology 7-8

1.6 Tools for analysis & interpretation 9

1.7 Limitations of the study 9-10

2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 11-18

3 THEORETICAL FRAME WORK 19-30

4 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 32-49

5 FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS, AND CONCLUSION 50

5.1 Findings 51

5.2 Suggestions 53

5.3 Conclusion 54

Bibliography 56
APPENDI Questionnaire 58-61
X
TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES
Table Title of table Page
No No.
4.1 Age of respondent 32

4.2 Educational qualification of respondent 33

4.3 Reason for becoming an entrepreneur 34

4.4 Source of capital 35

4.5 Area of activity 36

4.6 Awareness of different source of fund 37

4.7 Difficulties in obtaining loans 38

4.8 Difficulties in raising money for repayment of loan 39

4.9 Attitude of families towards business activities 40

4.10 Attitude of relatives towards housing activities 41

4.11 Burden of dual role 42

4.12 Difficulties in marketing goods & services 43

4.13 Difficulties in competition from competitors 44

4.14 Awareness of government roles 45

4.15 Getting subsidies from government 46

4.16 Entrepreneurship training from government 47

4.17 Difficulties in acquiring raw materials 48

4.18 Difficulties in cost of production 49

LIST OF CHARTS
Chart No Title of Chart Page No.

4.1 Age of respondent 32

4.2 Educational qualification of respondent 33
4.3 Reason for becoming an entrepreneur 34
4.4 Source of capital 35
4.5 Area of activity 36
4.6 Awareness of different source of fund 37
4.7 Difficulties in obtaining loans 38
4.8 Difficulties in raising money for repayment of loan 39
4.9 Attitude of families towards business activities 40
4.10 Attitude of relatives towards housing activities 41
4.11 Burden of dual role 42
4.12 Difficulties in marketing goods & services 43
4.13 Difficulties in competition from competitors 404
4.14 Awareness of government roles 45
4.15 Getting subsidies from government 46
4.16 Entrepreneurship training from government 47
4.17 Difficulties in acquiring raw materials 48
4.18 Difficulties in cost of production 49
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1
1.1 INTRODUCTION

“When women move forward, the family’s moves, the village moves”.
These words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru are often repeated because it is an
accepted fact that only when the women are in the mainstream of progress
cans any economic and social development be meaningful. The
introduction leads the reader from a general subject area to a topic of
enquiry. It establishes the scope, context, significance, objectives, research
methodology and limitations of the research “challenges of women micro
entrepreneurs in rural area”.

Human being is continuously engaged in some activities or other in order

to satisfy their ultimate wants. Business has become essential part of
modern world. Women having taking interest in recent year in self-
business. Business involves risk and uncertainty. Only some people are
willing and able to bearing risk and uncertainty. An entrepreneur is a
person who starts a new business venture. However, we tend to think of
entrepreneurs as people who have a talent for seeing opportunities and
abilities to develop those opportunities in to profit making business.
Entrepreneurship refers to setting a new business to take advantages from
new opportunities. Entrepreneurs are the key factors of entrepreneurship
and now women are successful in this as they have qualities desirable for
entrepreneurship development. Entrepreneurs shape the economy by
creating new wealth and new job and by intending new products and
services. It is really attitude to create something new and activity, which
create value in the entire socio-economic system.

2
Neiman & Nieuwenhuizen (2009:9), defines “an entrepreneur as a person
who defines an opportunity, gather resources, creates & grows a business
venture while bearing risk & is rewarded with profit from the venture”.

Entrepreneurship is a science of the artificial where entrepreneur design

firms to adapt to their environment, help exploit profit opportunities within
those environments and shape the environments to resemble their personal
aspirations and firm’s resource endowments to create wealth.

Entrepreneurship is considered as one of the most important factors

contributing to the economic development of society. Entrepreneurs have
been considered instrumental in initiating and sustaining socio-economic
development. In India, concept of women entrepreneurship is of recent
origin. Women have become aware about their rights and situations and
entered in different fields of business. They have established their own
successful business empires. They are contributing towards the growth of
economy and improvement of their socioeconomic condition. Government
of India has given due importance to women empowerment in the country
and several schemes has been introduced for the up liftmen of women
entrepreneurs. The women have achieved immense development in their
state of mind, with increase independency on service sector. Many
entrepreneurial opportunities especially for women have been created
where they can excel their skill and maintaining balance in their life. The
status of women in any society is an index of its progress. But the actual
condition of women does not match up to this statement. They are
considered as weaker sex in the male dominated society especially in rural
India. They lack self-confidence, face gender discrimination and are denied
educational opportunities. There is a common assumption that men are the

3
breadwinners and that most of the female work is either done in leisure
time or serves to procure supporting income for the family. Today with the
growth of MSMEs, many women have plunged into entrepreneurship.
Women entrepreneurship in India represents a group of women who are
exploring new avenues of economic participation. They play a very
important role in the economic progress and industrial of a country.
Through the entry of the women in this organized business sector is a fairly
a recent phenomenon, women of 21 century have progressed in a
remarkable manner by taking up entrepreneurial activities in MSMEs.

Rural women’s economic and social development is necessary for overall

economic development of society and Nation. Rural women are now
increasingly run their own business yet their entrepreneurial potential,
managerial skills and socio-economic contribution remain largely
neglected. A rural women entrepreneur is a women or group of women
who undertake to organize and run an enterprise in the rural area. Women
from middle class and upper middle class are included themselves in
income earning activities at their own level. Such rural women involved in
number of entrepreneurial activities like making papad, pickles, dairy
products, etc. Self-employment gives economic status to rural women in
her overall development. In rural Indian economy tiny and micro
enterprises, creates huge employment opportunities; produces necessary
goods and services to cater to the local requirements and contributes
significantly to the development and growth of the Nation. It helps to
inculcate growth with equity viz; both women and men alike; mobilizes
savings and internal financial resources for entrepreneurial activities. In
fact, the creation of micro enterprises is considered as an effective tool for
sustainable live hood, poverty, alleviation and unemployment generation.

4
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Entrepreneur is an activity of any person who brings the factor of

production together. Besides organizing the three factors land labour
capital, the entrepreneur also supplies the fifth factor – the uncertainty
bearing and then co-ordinate all the factors of production. He gets profit
out of it. He takes decisions which are essential to establish a firm and
keep it running with the changing conditions of demand.
However, if the revenue are somewhat smaller, female entrepreneurs feel
more in control and happier with their situation than if they worked as an
employee. Female entrepreneurship has been recognized an important
source of economic growth. Women entrepreneurship refers to business or
organization started by a women or group of women. There has been a
change in role of women due to growth in education, urbanization,
industrialization and awareness of democratic values. All developing
countries today, focusing on the need for the development of women and
their active participation in the main streams of the development process.
But it is found that most of the women entrepreneurs limited their growth
due to various problems. The research is conducted to know the challenges
faced by rural women micro entrepreneurs.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following are the objectives on the topic “Challenges of women micro
entrepreneurs in rural area with special reference to Koyilandy Taluk”.

5
 To study the challenges faced by rural women micro entrepreneurs.

 To identify the various obstacles faced by women entrepreneur while

carry out business enterprise.

 To identify various factors responsible for the growth of women

entrepreneur.

 To identify the potentiality of women entrepreneur.

1.4 SCOPE & SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study aims to find out the major challenges faced by women
entrepreneurs in rural area. The scope of the current study limited to
Koyilandy Taluk only.

However, if the revenue are somewhat smaller, female entrepreneurs feel

more in control and happier with their situation than if they worked as an
employee. Female entrepreneurship has been recognized an important
source of economic growth of Women entrepreneurs plays very important
role in the economic development. There are number of challenges faced
by micro women entrepreneurs. This study aims to find the problems faced
by micro entrepreneurs in rural area.

1.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research means intensive search for knowledge. It aims at discovering

solution to problems through the application of scientific methods.
Research simply means search for truth. Research methodology is a way to
solve the research problem systematically. It is a backbone of the work.

6
This study is descriptive in nature. Descriptive study is more than just a
collection of data. That involves measurement, classification, analysis,
comparison and interpretation.

1.5.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

It is a systematic planning of research. It usually includes the formulation

of strategy to resolve questions, the collection & recording of evidences,
the processing & analysis of those data & their interpretation & the
presentation of the result. The research design adopted for the study is
descriptive research design. This study is descriptive in nature. Descriptive
study is more than just a collection of data. That involves measurement,
classification, analysis, comparison and interpretation.

1.5.2 SOURCES OF DATA

The material necessary for the study have been collected based on primary
and secondary data.

Primary Data are information or generated by the researcher for the

purpose of the project immediately on hand. The methodology used for the
collection of the primary data is scheduling data. On scheduling the
method, separated detailed questionnaire were prepared respectively
covering all the aspects of motivation and data was collected form
simultaneously interviews and observations. Primary data are collected
through following techniques

✓ Questionnaire method ✓ Interview schedule

Secondary data is a data which has already published. Source of

secondary data as follows.

7
✓ Internet

✓ Magazines

✓ Newspapers

✓ Journals

1.5.3 SAMPLING DESIGN

The sampling design used here is convenience sampling.

1.5.4 SAMPLE SIZE

50 Samples of micro women entrepreneurs residing in Koyilandy Taluk.

The respondents were selected by using interview schedule.

1.5.5 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

The convenience sampling technique is used for completion of this project.

That means convenience sampling is one in which a sample is obtained by
selecting such units of the universe which may be conveniently located &
contacted.

1.6 TOOLS FOR ANALYSIS AND

INTERPRETATION

The collected data were arranged into suitable tables. Moreover, different
charts were prepared along with tables which would provide an easy
understanding about the subject matter. The collected data were analysed
and processed using mathematical and statistical tools like percentage,
charts, graphs, diagrams etc...

8
The present study uses the following tools for analysis and interpretation of
data.

● Tables

● Chart and diagrams

● Percentage analysis

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Some of the responses may be based on element of subjectivity. Anything

that comes from a prejudicial mind will always be far from reality.

❖ The study could have been made so elaborate, but it was confined to
limited number of respondents due to time constraints.

❖ The study was conducted only for a limited period.

❖ Some entrepreneur showed disinterest in answering the questions due to

workload.

❖ The time for study is too short.

❖ Its study is limited to Koyilandy Taluk so it cannot be generalized.

VARIABLES

Following are the important variables for the present study titled
“Challenges of women micro entrepreneurs in rural area with special
reference to Koyilandy Taluk”

9
❖ Financial constraints

❖ Over dependence of intermediaries

❖ Scarcity of resources

❖ Intense competition

❖ High cost of production o Family tiles

❖ Social attitude

❖ Lack of confidence

❖ Unwillingness to invest money

10
 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A detailed review of literature has been made to find out the research
gap and to identify the relevant researchable issues for the study. It is
essential for more clear knowledge about the subject and
understanding research gap in order to drawn the scope for the study.
The most important reviews are presented in this chapter.

Aparajita & Nayan Barua (1998) ‘women entrepreneurship in North

East India ‘says that constant endeavor to bring in hidden talents of the
entrepreneurs of the

11
N.E region is worth mentioning. But then the women entrepreneurs of
the region need special attention. As it has been observed that only a
fraction of the trained women entrepreneurs come to the real world of
business. The other part enjoys such programs as a past time only without
any follow up actions. In this context, monitoring cells are needed to be
set up by state Govt. of the region to assist and guide all types of women
entrepreneurs in finding financial assistance.

Aravinda and Renuka (2001) revealed that the most common motivational
factors influencing the women entrepreneurship were (a) self interest in
that area specific of enterprise (b) self-respect (c) advice of the family
members and economic necessity. The facilitating factors in the
maintenance of the enterprise were (a) self- interest (b) experience (c)
family help and support.

Baijal and Asoken (1997) in their study; say that in India women
enterprise are separately defined but, in the UK, women enterprise does
not have any special and separate definition. Conclusion of their study are:
-

In both India and UK commercial banks continue to be major

sources of finance for small firm.

(a) As per British bankers Association, figures as on June 1996, the

total bank

Deposit by small firms were 25.4 billion while total borrowing (term
loans and overdrafts) by small businesses total of 34.8 billion. This
indicates that exposure of commercial banks with respect to finance for
small business is very limited.

12
(b) There is no significant evidence to suggest that women entrepreneurs
are discriminated by banks either in UK or India.

(c) In both the countries, women entrepreneurs prefer service and

retail trading activities.

(d) In both the countries, the main difficulty that women face when
starting up is the burden of family responsibilities.

Carter and Cannon (1992) conducted a research to find the reason for
British women starting their own business, the problems they
encounter, and the successful strategies they employed to overcome
them. This case studies of 60 successful female entrepreneurs and 10
women who closed down their business.

Carter and Cannon utilized the chronological approach, tracing the steps
one take when starts a new business. The author’s hypothesis is that
women’s motivation and behavior will differ from traditional models.
Results show that female entrepreneurs face unique challenges, which
are seen by some as gender related characteristics of business owned by
women, that include different route take when starting up a business-
planning is essentially important, changes for continuing the business
are seen as having a gender dimension to the business, training,
professionalization, networking, domestic relationship and friendship
effect the progress of business.
Damwad (2007), its broadly identifies few obstacles like financing, lack
of knowledge and skills in business like markets & entrepreneurial
activity, work life balance including lack of growth & wishes to grow and
most importantly women as other groups are heterogeneous. OCED and
European commission are focusing on methodologies in analyzing

13
quantitative women entrepreneurship.

Dharmaja Bhatia and saini (1999) in their article ‘women entrepreneurs

– perception, attitude and opinion ‘pointed out that the majority of
women entrepreneurs started their business units in the age span of 26 to
35 years, which indicates that this age group is most suitable for
venturing in to self-employment. The majority of women had no previous
experience in business. Most of them had good educational background
and had no income before the establishment of the enterprise but
belonged to urban background are also not lagging behind. Women
possess in good measures the qualities of endurance and sustained efforts
to nurture their enterprise. A majority of the women had set up
manufacturing units. There was a lack of information and knowledge
regarding various schemes of the Govt. for women entrepreneurs.

Greene et.al. (2003) evaluate the research and publication contribution in

the area of women entrepreneurship. The study categorized various
journal & resource of research on the basis of certain parameters
concerned with women entrepreneurship like gender discrimination,
personal attributes, financing challengers, business unit, contest and
feminist perspectives.

Hanumant Yadav (1998) in his research paper entitled “problems of

women entrepreneurship in Eastern Madya Pradesh “reveals that the
paucity of funds is the crux of all the problems,

If it is solved half of the major problems are solved. Financially strong

entrepreneurs survive in deep recession and strong competition.

14
Mathialagan (2002) conducted a socio-economic study on women
entrepreneurs of Chennai city. Regarding the constraints of women
entrepreneurs, the personal factors seem to influence more in the service
sector where as the environmental factors influence manufacturing and
trading factors.

Nadkarni (1982) in her study has presented her findings on problems

and difficulties faced by women entrepreneurs in different industries. She
has divided the industries in to two groups: (a) producer goods
industries, and (b) consumer goods industries. The following observations
are worth mentioning.

A) 57% of the respondents accept the statement that women are

more suitable for desk work than manual work.
B) A change is occurring in society attitude but the pace of the
changes is rather slow.
C) Educated family is more likely to adopt a relatively liberal
approach towards women entrepreneurs as compared to uneducated.
O ’Meally – Nelson (1991) In this study on small business opportunities
for women in Jamaica revealed that women were concentrated in business
which required the least capital outlay, or which were an extension of
household activities, for example small scale retail or dress
making/garment manufacturing. Majority of the women had encountered
gender-basis while establishing and developing their business and 29
percent believed that they would be socially isolated if they exhibited the
assertiveness and strength usually associated with the male entrepreneurs.
But 30 percent of the women however identified advantages of being
female. They could negotiate better, obtain preferential treatment and
obtain cooperation from males. Their household’s encouragement and

15
support played a significant role in the choice of their economic activities.
The sample respondents stated that they depended on their business to
maintain their homes and support 16 their families; the respondents also
need for specialized training programs for women in small business.

Panandikar (1985) in the study regarding the highlights the problems of

women entrepreneurs, she observed that a woman is recognized as an
entrepreneur only when she earns hard cash or has some monetary gains.
The nature of the work is about the same in the case of such units as are
engaged in manufacturing of pickles, papads, and other snacks. With the
spread particularly of higher education, and the growing awareness of their
status, women are spreading their wings to reach the higher level of 3Es
(Engineering, Electronics and Energy). She observed that there are hurdles
in general for any entrepreneurs, but for women entrepreneurs the greatest
constraint is that they are ‘women’. The attitude of society, despite the
constitutional provision and proclamation of legal equality, practice the
bias is still the same towards the women as it existed in the ancient times.
The biggest problem they face is finance the reason being lack of
confidence among the men about the women’s ability to manage finance.
Procedures of bank loans are often delayed and much running about is
involved in completing paper work, then deters many women from
venturing into business area. Another hurdle is marketing the finished
products.

Prasad (2010) in this article titled “Employment and Income in Rural

India” has found that the anti-poverty program has direct impact on
resource endowment, employment and skills development. However, the
success of this program is limited. As pointed out by the planning
commission, the constraints of these programs are not arising from

16
financial side but from organizational inadequacies and lack of a clear-cut
plan of development of the area to which coordinate effects of all
concerned agencies should be directed.

Singh (1992) in her research work: women entrepreneurs have stated that
due to the industrialization and technological development in India.
Women have been displaced from their previously held jobs and have
turned to entrepreneurship in order to ensure

regular income. Singh’s research used a system approach to investigate

strategies that could meaningfully encourage the growth of
entrepreneurship particularly in women. Singh’s definition of female
entrepreneur is unique because it includes the concept of adjusting one’s
business with other aspects of life. Although difficult to read, because of
errors in English language the book offers interesting information relating
to entrepreneurial motivations, support and communications among Indian
women. Singh opined that primarily more privileged woman has
progressed better in the area of entrepreneurship.

Singh (2008) identifies the reason& influencing factors behind entry of

women in entrepreneurship. He explained the characteristics of their
businesses in Indian context and also obstacles and challenges. He
mentioned the obstacles in the growth of women entrepreneurship are
mainly lack of interaction with successful entrepreneur, social un
acceptance as women entrepreneurs, family responsibility, gender
discrimination, missing network, low priority given by bankers to provide
loan to women entrepreneurs.

Tambunan (2009), made a study on recent developments of women

17
entrepreneurs in Asian developing countries. The study focused mainly on
women entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises based on data
analysis and review of recent key literature. The study also depicted the
fact that representation of women entrepreneurs in this region is relatively
low due to factors like low level of education, lack of capital and cultural
or religious constraints. However, the study revealed that most of the
women entrepreneurs in SMEs are from the category of forced
entrepreneurs seeking for better family incomes.

CHAPTER 3

THEORATICAL FRAMEWORK
18
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Entrepreneurship is considered as one of the most important factors

contributing to the economic development of the society. The capacity and
willingness to develop, organize, and manage a business venture along
with any of its risk in order to make a profit. It is the process of changing
ideas in to commercial opportunities and creating value. It involves the
process of identifying opportunities in the market place arranging the
resources required to pursue these opportunities and investing the
resources to exploit the opportunities for long term gains.

It is a process where one getting himself employed provides job to others

also. The person is called ‘entrepreneur’, he acts as a leader.
Entrepreneurship creates employment opportunities and extracts the use of
natural and human resources. Entrepreneurship is breaded by self-
employment and leads for economic growth. It is founded in both private
and public (state) fields. The small-scale industries and business are in the
19
hands of private entrepreneurs.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Women entrepreneurship is the process where women take lead and

organize a business or industry and provide employment opportunities to
others. Through women entrepreneurship is a recent phenomenon in India
which came in to prominence in late 1970’s now we see that more and
more women are venturing as entrepreneurs in all kind of business and
economic activities and service sector. Through at the initial stage women
entrepreneurship developed only at urban area, lately it has extended its
wings to rural and semi urban areas too. Through earlier women
concentrated much on traditional activities, due to the spread of education,

20 favorable Govt. policies towards development of women

entrepreneurship, women had changed their attitude and diverted towards
non-traditional activities too. They show favorable response to changing
situation and get adjusted to then and have improved their position.

The Government and non-government organizations are giving more

prominence to promote self-employment among women and build women
entrepreneurship. Special financial assistance is provided and training
programs are organized for women to start their ventures. All developing
countries today, focusing on the need for development of women &their
active participation in the main stream of development process. Socio
economic background is an important factor that influences the women to
start their business. Money is not the sole objective among women
entrepreneurs to enter in to business. Some of the main reasons for the
growth of women entrepreneurship are: -

20
• Growth in literacy level.

• Industrial & economic growth.

• Awareness of democratic values.

• Organizations promoting women entrepreneurship.

• Financial assistance & consultancy services provided by financial

institutions.

MICRO ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The smallest business in a country which operates with the least capital
and number of employees. Usually, it operates with in a small geographical
area to provide service or goods for their community. And micro enterprise
constitutes the backbone of an Indian economy in maintaining an
appreciable growth rate and in generating employment opportunities. Most
enterprise owners are primarily interested in earning a living to support
themselves and their families. They only grow the business when
something in their lives changes and need to generate a larger income.

In Indian context a micro enterprise can be defined as a business with

lesser than 10 employees and an initial investment of less than 10 lakhs.
Micro entrepreneurship is being increasingly recognized as one of the
prominent ways of poverty alleviation and income generation in
developing countries. It reduces the burden on job creation and encourages
self-sufficiency with the use of minimal resources. A typical market place
in a developing country comprises majorly of micro entrepreneurs from
fields ranging in agriculture to manufacturing and the service sector.
Recognizing the contribution of micro- entrepreneurs towards creating a

21
robust economy, both central and state governments have launched several
schemes to facilitate micro- entrepreneurship.

MEANING AND DEFINITION OF

ENTREPRENEUR

The word ‘entrepreneur’ is derived from the Sanskrit word

‘Antaraprerana’. Anyone who runs a business is called entrepreneur. They
are ordinarily called businessman. He is a person who combines capital
and labour for the purpose of production. He organizes and manage a
business unit assuming the 22 risk for profit. Thus, entrepreneur is person
who creates an enterprise. An entrepreneur is one who recognizes and seize
opportunities; convert these opportunities in to marketable ideas; adds
value through time, effort, money or skills, assumes the risk to implement
these ideas and realize the reward s from these efforts. He is one who
creates develops and manages a business enterprise and sometimes he is
called entrepreneur. Someone who exercise initiative by organizing a
venture to take benefit of an opportunity and, as the decision maker,
decides what how and how much of a goods and services will be produced.
An entrepreneur who organizes a venture to benefit from an opportunity,
rather than working as an employee.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR

Women entrepreneur may be defined as a women or group of women who

initiate, organize, and run a business enterprise. In terms of Schumpeterian
concept of innovative entrepreneurs, women who innovate, imitate or
adopt a business activity are called” women entrepreneurs”. Kamal Singh
who is a women entrepreneur from Rajasthan, has defined women

22
entrepreneurs as “a confident, innovative and creative woman capable of
achieving self-economic independence individually or in collaboration,
generates employment opportunities for others through initiating,
establishing and running the enterprise by keeping pace with her personal,
family and social life.

The Government of India has defined women entrepreneurs as “an

enterprise owned and controlled by women having a minimum financial
interest of 51 per cent of the capital and giving at least 51 per cent of the
employment generated in the enterprise to the women.” Like a male
entrepreneur a women 23 entrepreneur has many functions. They should
explore the prospects of starting new enterprise; undertake risks,
introduction of new innovations, coordination administration and control
of business and providing effective leadership in all aspects of business
women owned businesses are highly increasing in the economies of almost
all countries.

Women entrepreneur in India are broadly classified into five categories: -

(a) Affluent Entrepreneurs: Affluent women entrepreneurs are those

women entrepreneurs who hails from rich business families. They are
daughters, daughter-in laws, sisters, sisters-in-law and wives of affluent
people in the society. Many of them are engaged in the beauty parlor,
interior decoration, book publishing, film distribution and the like. The
family supports the above type of entrepreneur in carrying out their
responsibilities.

(b)Pull factors: Women in towns and cities take up entrepreneurship as a

challenge to do something new and to be economically independent. These
are coming under the category of pull factors. They belong to educated

23
women who generally lake up small and medium industries risk is low.
Under this category, women usually start service centre schools, food
catering centre, restaurants, grocery shops etc.

(c) Push factors: There are some women entrepreneurs who accepts
entrepreneurial activities to overcome financial difficulties. The family
situation forces them either to develop the existing family business or to
start new ventures to improve the economic conditions of the family. Such
categories of entrepreneurs are termed as push factors.

(d) Self-employed entrepreneur: Poor and very poor women in villages and
town rely heavily on their own efforts for sustenance. They start tiny and
24 small enterprises like brooms making, wax candle making, providing
tea and coffee to offices, tailoring firms etc. Such women are called self-
employed entrepreneurs.

(e) Rural Entrepreneurs: Women in rural areas/villages starts enterprises

which needs least organizing skill and less risk. Dairy products, pickles,
fruit juices, pappads and Jagger making are coming under this category of
rural entrepreneurs.

NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN

ENTREPRENEURS

It is imperative to note the participation of women in economic activities

as self-employed individuals. Many of the traditional occupations open to
women were mainly based on caste, creed, and the nature of self-
employment based on the standard of living. Presently, women

are generating employment for themselves in an unorganized sector and

24
another category or women who provide employment for others.

The country needs to mobilize and utilize fully all its resources including
human resources. The participation of women in economic activities in
necessary not only from a human resource point of view but also is
essential even from the objective of raising the status of the women in the
society. The economic status of the women now accepted as an indicator of
a societies stage of development and therefore it becomes imperative for
the Govt. to frame policies for development of entrepreneurship among
women. The long-term objective of the development programs for women
should aim to raise their economic and social status in order to bring them
into the mainstream of National life and development. For this, due 25
recognition has to accorded to the role and contribution of women in the
various social economic and political and cultural activities.

The concept of developing woman entrepreneurship lays emphasis of the

productive utilization of women labour force to generate income and
output. The program for developing woman entrepreneur would make a
dent to alleviate poverty. The Sixth Five Year Plan for the first time
highlighted the problem of women integration in economic development in
India and emphasized need to expand women employment in the
household sector by providing adequate support in the areas of technology
up gradation, training, credit, war material requirements and development
of financial loans.

Economic development is possible only with the help of planned and

unrelenting business activities. Entrepreneurs are the human agency at the
back of such activities. Entrepreneurship is the skill or quality of such
human resources, which is snatching opportunities ad organizing

25
endeavors for their commercial exploitation. In Kerala women
entrepreneurship started in early days for this reason that there are number
of challenges faced by women in this field. Government adopts number of
steps for the development of women entrepreneur.

A small business is that employs a small number of employees. A

microenterprise will usually operate with fewer than ten people and is
started with a small amount of capital. Most microenterprise specialize
providing good or services for their local areas. The Ministry of micro,
small, medium enterprise, a branch of the Govt. of India, is the apex body
for the formulation and administration of rules, regulations and laws
relating to micro, small and medium enterprise in India.

A micro enterprise is an enterprise where the investment in equipment does

not exceed Rs. 10 lakh;

A small enterprise is an enterprise where the investment in equipment is

more than Rs.10 lakh but does not exceed Rs. 2 crore; and

A medium enterprise is an enterprise where the investment in equipment is

more than Rs. 2 crore but does not exceed Rs. 5 crore.

MICRO ENTREPRENEUR

Micro entrepreneur or solo entrepreneur works by themselves keeping their

business at manageable size, without the intention to hire employees and/or
to grow in to larger company. They can begin in to trade immediately
without needing infrastructure, any funding, a business plan and often
learn business skills as they go. They measure the growth in
unconventional ways, balancing income generation with business

26
autonomy, flexibility, long term self-reliance and personal wellbeing.

WOMEN ENTERPRISE

The concept of women entrepreneurship is becoming a global phenomenon

playing a vital role in the business community. In India women have made
a comparatively late entry into business scenario mainly due to the
orthodox and traditional socio-cultural environment. Although women
gave various challenges process of establishing, developing, and running
their enterprise, nevertheless, their scope of development is very high in
India, especially in rural area with more women making development
-oriented programs viz. Development of Women and Children in Rural
areas (DWCRA) launched in and being implemented in 1982-83. 27 In
what follows, an attempt is made to analyse the success of such a scheme
in terms of its survival, growth and development of women entrepreneurs
and identify the problems faced by women entrepreneurs.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN INDIA

India has been hailed as one of the fastest growing start-up ecosystems in
the world, with 11% of the adult population being directly engaged in
early-stage entrepreneurship. The share of women entrepreneurs the
modern start-up ecosystem is also steadily rising.

Indian women are in no way inferior to men in all walks of life and they
can be as good entrepreneurs as men in the country. Therefore, it is
essential to exploit the potentials of Indian woman. Women’s participation
in trade, industry and commerce, requiring entrepreneurship, is still poor
mainly because of the problems associated with their gender roles.
Therefore, promotion of entrepreneurship and economic empowerment of
27
women poses a challenge to the Government, funding agencies and non-
Government organizations. It is important for these people to focus on the
limitations faced by the women and to plan supporting systems to enhance
the women entrepreneurship in India.

Some of the important organization promoting women entrepreneurship in

India are as follows:

• National Resource Centre for Women (NRCW)

• Women’s India Trust (WIT)

• Women Development Corporation (WDC)

• Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka (AWAKE) 28

• Working Women’s Forum (WWF)

• Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN KERALA

Kerala presents a positive picture as far as women’s development is

concerned. The statistical data also show that the number of women SSI
units is increasing every year. Even though women entrepreneurs in Kerala
have essential education, they are not outstanding in their roles as
entrepreneurs, as the majority of them undertakes less risky ventures.
According to Soosy George Isaac, president of all Kerala women’s
industries association, nowadays women entrepreneurs of the previous
generation took previously, most of the women entrepreneurs were
engaged in some kind of manufacturing activities. Today, most of the
enterprises set up by women entrepreneurs are of simple consumer
28
products, like readymade garments, food products, toys, handicrafts or are
in the service sector, such as x-rays, clinics, tailoring, beauty parlors, data
processing, advertising, departmental stores and photo-copying. Only a
few have entered steel furniture, electronics, plastics and other industries
that require higher technology and innovative production processes.
“Although the women of Kerala possess some personality trails necessary
for entrepreneurship, like the ability to take risk, self-dependence, an
experimental nature and innovativeness”.

Women entrepreneurs of Kerala have proper education and access of

capital. They have a high degree of motivation and entered in to business
as a result of the encouragement received from husband, relatives and
mahila Sangam. However, many of them one different in the requisite
technical knowledge and are forced to employ technicians and managers.
A majority of the women entrepreneurs seek 29 reward for good returns in
investments and find the work satisfying and challenging.

29
 CHAPTER 4

DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION

30
 AGE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

18-40 18 36%

41-60 30 60%
AGE OF RESPONDENTS
ABOVE 60 2 4%

TOTAL 50 100%

ABOVE 60

41-60

18-40

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

4.1 AGE OF RESPONDENTS

INTERPRETATION
From the above table we can see that 56% of the respondents belongs to the
category of qualified primary education, 24% of the respondents belongs to the
category of qualified secondary and higher secondary education. 16% of the
respondents belongs to the category of illiterate and rest 4% belongs to the
category of qualified degree and above educational status.

4.2 EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OF

RESPONDENTS

31
 EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS
5 4.5
4.5 4.3
4 3.5
3.5
3 2.5 FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
2.5
2
1.5 PRIMARY 28 56%
1
0.5 SECONDARY & HIGHER 12 24%
0
PRIMARY SECONDARY & DEGREE & ABOVE ILLETERATE
DEGREE & ABOVE
HIGHER 2 4%

ILLITERATE 8 16%

TOTAL 50 100%

INTERPRETATION

From the above table we can see that 56% of the respondents belongs to the
category of qualified primary education, 24% of the respondents belongs to the
category of qualified secondary and higher secondary education. 16% of the
respondents belongs to the category of illiterate and rest 4% belongs to the
category of qualified degree and above educational status.

32
 REASONS FOR BECOMING AN ENTRPRENEUR
25

20 FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
EMPLOYMENT NEED 20 40%
15

PASSION 5 10%
10
MOTIVATION FROM 3 6%
5
FAMILY
0
FINANCIAL
EMPLOYMENT NEEDNEEDPASSION 22
MOTIVATION FROM 44%NEED
FINANCIAL
FAMILY
TOTAL 50 100%

4.3 REASONS FOR BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR

INTERPRETATION

The above graph shows majority of respondent (44%) become entrepreneur

because of financial need. And 40% respondent due to employment need. 10%
respondent became entrepreneur due to their passion and 6% due to passion.

4.4 SOURCE OF CAPITAL

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
LOAN 20 40%
OWN FUND 26 52%
FROM FAMILY 2 4%
MEMBERS
OTHER SOURCES 2 4%
OF FUND
TOTAL 33 50 100%
 SOURCES OF CAPITAL
30
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
25

20 MANUFACTURING 28 56%
15
BUSINESS 22 44%
10

5 TOTAL 50 100%
0
LOAN OWN FUND FROM FAMILY OTHER SOURCES OF
MEMBERS FUNDS

INTERPRETATION

From the above table we can see that 52% of the respondents use own fund and
40% receives financial assistance from bank. 4% respondents raise capital
from family members and 4% use other sources of fund.

4.5 AREA OF ACTIVTY

AREA OF ACTIVITY

MANUFACTURING
44% BUSINESS
56%

34
INTERPRETATION

In the above graph 56% of respondents prefer manufacturing as their area of

activity and 44% of respondents prefer business as their area of activity.

4.6 AWARENESS OF DIFFERENT SOURCES OF FUNDS

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

STRONGLY AGREE 32 64%

AGREE 16 32%

NEUTRAL 2 4%

DISAGREE 0 0%

STRONGLY DISAGREE 0 0%

TOTAL 50 100%

AWARENESS OF DIFFERENT SOURCES OF FUNDS

4%

32%

64%

STRONGLY AGREE AGREE NEUTRAL

DISAGREE STRONGLY DISAGREE

INTERPRETATION

35
 It shows that 64% of the respondents are strongly agree that they are not fully
aware about different sources of fund,32% of the respondents agrees that they are
not aware of different sources of fund. 4% of respondents neither agree nor
disagree to this question.

DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING LOANS

25

20

15

10

0
STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL STRONGLY DISAGREE
AGREE DISAGREE

4.7 DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING LOANS

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

STRONGLY AGREE 22 44%

AGREE 16 32%

NEUTRAL 8 16%

DISAGREE 3 6%

STRONGLY DISAGREE 1 2%
TOTAL 50 100%

INTEPRETATION
It shows 44% of the respondents strongly agrees that there is a problem in
obtaining loans,32% of the respondents agrees that there is a problem in obtaining

36
loans. 16% of the respondents neither agree nor disagree to this question. 6% of the
respondents are disagree that they are not any difficulties for obtaining a loan,2%
of the respondents is strongly disagree that they are not face any difficulties in
obtaining loans.

4.8 DIFFICULTIES IN RAISING MONEY FOR REPAYMENT OF

LOAN
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STRONGLY AGREE 16 32%
AGREE 18 36%
NEUTRAL 8 16%
DISAGREE 6 12%
STRONGLY 2 4%
DISAGREE
TOTAL 50 100%

DIFFICULTIES IN RAISING MONEY FOR REPAYMENT OF

LOAN
20
18
1516

10
8
5 6
2
0
STRONGLY AGREE AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE STRONGLY
DISAGREE

37
 INTERPRETATION

The table shows that 36% of the respondents agrees that they are facing difficulties
in raising money for repayment of loan, 32% strongly agrees that they feel problem
in raising money for repayment of loan. 16% of the respondent neither agree nor
disagree to this question. 12% disagree and 4% of the respondent strongly disagree
that they are not facing any difficulties in raising money for repayment of loan.

4.9
ATTITUDE OF FAMILY TOWARDS BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

STRONGLY DISAGREE 17

DISAGREE 23

NEUTRAL 4

AGREE 4

STRONGLY AGREE 2

0 5 10 15 20 25

ATTITUDE OF FAMILY TOWARDS BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STRONGLY AGREE 2 4%
AGREE 4 8%
NEUTRAL 4 8%
DISAGREE 23 46%
STRONGLY DISAGREE 17 34%
TOTAL 50 100%

INTERPRETATION

38
 From the above chart it is clear that 46% of the respondent disagree to the
statement that there is a lack of support from family, 34% are strongly disagree to
the statement that the family members always blaming them in their business
activities. 8% agrees to that the family members are blaming them in their business
activities. 8% neither agree or nor disagree to the statement. Rest of the respondent
strongly agree that they face lack of support from family.

4.10 ATTITUDE OF RELATIVE TOWARDS

HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITY

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STRONGLY AGREE 3 6%
AGREE 1 2%
NEUTRAL 9 18%
DISAGREE 16 32%
STRONGLY 21 42%
DISAGREE
TOTAL 50 100%
ATTITUDE OF RELATIVE TOWARDS HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITY

6%2%

18%
42%

32%

STRONGLY AGREE AGREE NEUTRAL

DISAGREE STRONGLY DISAGREE

INTERPRETATION

39
 The above graph shows that 42% of the respondents strongly disagree and 32% of
the respondent disagrees that the relatives are not helping them in their household
activities. 18% respondents neither agree nor disagree to this question. 6% of the
respondents strongly agrees and 2% respondents agrees that the relatives are not
helping them in their household activities.

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STRONGLY AGREE 8 16%
AGREE 10 20%
NEUTRAL 7 14%
DISAGREE 13 26%
STRONGLY DISAGREE 12 24%
TOTAL 50 100%

BURDEN OF DUAL ROLE

14

12

10

0
STRONGLY AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE STRONGLY
AGREE DISAGREE

4.11 BURDEN OF DUAL ROLE

INTERPRETATION

From the above graph we can see that 26% of the respondents disagrees and 24%
of the respondents strongly disagrees that they have no any burden of dual role.

40
 20% agreed and 16% strongly agreed that they have a burden of dual role 14% of
the respondents neither agree nor disagree to the question.

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STRONGLY AGREE 21 42%
AGREE 1 2%
NEUTRAL 2 4%
DISAGREE 0 0%
STRONGLY DISAGREE 26 52%
TOTAL 50 100%

DIFFICULTIES IN MARKETING GOODS AND SERVICES

30

25

20

15

10

0
STRONGLY AGREE AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE STRONGLY
DISAGREE

4.12 DIFFICULTIES IN MARKETING GOODS AND

SERVICES

INTERPRETATION

In this above table 42% respondents disagreed that they are not facing competition
from competitors, 22% strongly disagreed that they are not facing any competition
from competitors. 14% of respondents neither agree nor disagree to the statement.
12% strongly agree to the statement that is they face competition from competitor,
10% agreed that they face competition.

41
 FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STRONGLY AGREE 6 12%
AGREE 5 10%
NEUTRAL 7 14%
DISAGREE 21 42%
STRONGLY 11 22%
DISAGREE
TOTAL 50 100%

DIFFICULTIES COMPETITION FROM COMPETITORS

25

20

15

10

0
STRONGLY AGREE AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE STRONGLY
DISAGREE

4.13 DIFFICULTIES COMPETITION FROM

COMPETITORS

INTERPRETATION

In this above table 42% respondents disagreed that they are not facing competition
from competitors, 22% strongly disagreed that they are not facing any competition
from competitors. 14% of respondents neither agree nor disagree to the statement.
12% strongly agree to the statement that is they face competition from competitor,
10% agreed that they face competition.

42
 4.14 AWARENESS OF GOVERNMENT RULES

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STRONGLY AGREE 19 38%
AGREE 21 42%
NEUTRAL 8 16%
DISAGREE 2 4%
STRONGLY 0 0%
DISAGREE
TOTAL 50 100%

AWARENESS OF GOVERNMENT RULES

4% STRONGLY AGREE
16% AGREE
38% NEUTRAL
DISAGREE
STRONGLY DISAGREE

42%

INTERPRETATION

From the above table 42% of the respondents agreed that they are not aware about
Government rules, 38% strongly agreed that they are not aware about Government
rules. 16% neither agree nor disagree to the statement. Rest of the respondents
(4%) disagree that they are aware about Government rules, no one can strongly
disagree to this statement.

4.15 GETTING SUBSIDIES FROM GOVERNMENT

43
 GETTING SUBSIDIES FROM GOVERNMENT
4%
10%
32%
16%

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

STRONGLY AGREE 16 32%

38%
AGREE 19 38%
STRONGLY AGREE AGREE NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
DISAGREE 8
STRONGLY DISAGREE 16%

DISAGREE 5 10%

STRONGLY 2 4%
DISAGREE
TOTAL 50 100%

INTERPRETATION

From the above graph we can see that 38% of the respondents and 32% of the
respondents does not getting any subsidies from Government side .16% neither
agree nor disagree to the question. 10% of the respondents and 4% of the
respondents getting subsidies from Government.

4.16 ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING FROM

GOVERNMENT

44
 FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STRONGLY AGREE 10 20%
AGREE 8 16%
NEUTRAL 12 24%
DISAGREE 12 24%
STRONGLY DISAGREE 8 16%
TOTAL Sales 50 100%

16% 20%
STRONGLY AGREE
AGREE
NEUTRAL
24% 16% DISAGREE
STRONGLY DISAGREE

24%

INTERPRETATION

From the above table we can see that 24% of the respondents gets
entrepreneurship development training and supports from government servants.
24% of respondents neither agree nor disagree to the question. 20% of the
respondent strongly agree and 16% of the respondents agree that they do not get
any entrepreneurship development training and support from government
servants. 16% of the respondents receives training and supports from government
servants.

4.17 DIFFICULTIES IN ACQUIRING RAW MATERIAL

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

45
 YES 14 28%

NO 36 72%

TOTAL 50 100%

DIFFICULTY IN ACQUIRING RAW MATERIAL

28% YES
NO

72%

INTERPRETATION

From the above chart 72% of the respondents does not feel any difficulties in
acquiring raw material and 28% of the respondents feel difficulties while acquiring
raw material.

4.18 DIFFICULTIES IN COST OF PRODUCTION

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

YES 11 22%
DIFFICULTIES IN COST OF PRODUCTION
NO 39 78%

TOTAL 50YES
22% 100%
YES
NO

NO
78%
46
INTERPRETATION

From the above chart we can see that 78% of the respondents does not feel any
difficulties in meeting cost of production, and 22% of the respondents face
difficulties in cost of production.

CHAPTER 5
47
 FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND
CONCLUSION

FINDINGS

❖ Most of the respondents (60%) are within the age limit 41-60.

❖ 56% of the respondents qualified as primary education.

❖ 44% of the respondents are become entrepreneur on financial reason

❖ 52% respondents use own fund.

❖ Manufacturing is the area of activity of majority of respondents (56%).

❖ Majority of respondents (64%) not well aware about different sources of fund.

❖ 44% of the respondent’s face difficulties in obtaining loans.

48
❖ 36% of the respondent’s face difficulties in raising money for repayment of
loan.

❖ 46% of the respondents does not feel any lack of support from family in their
business activities.

❖ 42% of the respondents strongly disagrees that the relatives are not helping them
in their household activities.

❖ 26% of the respondents does not feel any burden of dual role.

❖ 64% of the respondents not well aware about different sources of fund.

❖ 52% of the respondents does not feel any difficulties in marketing of goods and
services.

❖ 42% of the respondents does not face any competition from competition.

❖ 42% of the respondents not well aware about Government rules.

❖ 38% of the respondents does not getting any subsidies from Government.

❖ 24% of the respondents gets entrepreneurship training and supports from

Government servants.

❖ Majority of respondents (72%) does not face any difficulties in acquiring raw
materials.

❖ Majority of the respondents (78%) not facing any difficulties in meeting cost of
production and 54% of the respondents always capable to help their family as an
entrepreneur.

49
 SUGGESTIONS

The increased role of women in economic development has spurred the

government in developing policies on women development. The positive
changes that have taken place in women’s attitude and perception of their
own role after their involvement in different entrepreneurial activities
through participation in different entrepreneurial activities have
empowered them in social, economic and cultural fields.

❖ New schemes for women entrepreneurs should be extended from the

part of the Government.

❖ Women to be considered as specific target group for all developmental

programmes.
50
❖ Assistance to be extended to by the Govt. for marketing goods.

❖ Adequate training and supports to be provided to women entrepreneurs.

❖ The Government should provide financial assistance to women

entrepreneur to encourage them in their business activities.

CONCLUSION

Women plays an important role in the economic development of a country.

Entrepreneurship does not differentiate the sex. A number of facilities and
assistance are offered to entrepreneurs both men and women. In Kerala
even today, traditional gender division of labour and gender roles and
expectations are maintained. As a result, women look after the children,
elderly persons and other members in the house hold. These hoses hold
obligations and responsibility effected women’s and time allocations and
realisation of their potential in the labour market. As a result of this study,
it is founded that majority of the women entrepreneur loan as source of
capital one of the main problems in loan it requires to many documents,
they sell products at the local level and majority of the respondents not get
any supports from the part of Government

51
This chapter focuses on the summary of the findings, suggestion,
conclusions based on the data analysed in the previous chapter. From this
study we can identify that majority of respondents meet financial problems
and least of the respondent’s face challenges from family. These findings
support strongly to overcome the major challenges faced by rural women
micro entrepreneurs.

APPENDIX

52
BIBILIOGRAPHY

Books: -

❖ Mc Gupta- entrepreneurship in small industries, Anmol publications.

❖ David H Holt, (2006) Entrepreneurship- New Venture Creation, New

Delhi; Prentice- hall of India Private Limited.

❖ Bhola Nath Dutta (2009), Entrepreneurship Management-Text and

Cases, New Delhi; Excel Books.

Websites: -

❖ www.womenentrepreneurs.com

❖ www.investopedia.com

53
QUESTIONNAIRE

54
 QUESTIONNAIRE

CHALLENGES FACED BY MICRO WOMEN ENTREPRENURS IN

RURAL AREA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KOYILANDY TALUK

Dear Madam,

This questionnaire is formed to collect information related to study the attitude

students towards entrepreneurship. I assure that data your provided will keep
confidential and used only for the project work. Please give few moments to fill
the details and valuable opinions.

MUSTHAFA

A.V ABDURAHIMAN HAJI ARTS AND SCIENCE COLLEGE

1. Name:

2. Address:

3. Age: 18-40 41-60 ABOVE 60

4. Educational qualification:

a) Primary b) Secondary & higher secondary c) Degree & above

d) Illiterate

55
 5. Why do you become an entrepreneur?

a) Employment needs b) Passion c) Motivation from family

d) Financial need

6. How do you raise capital?

a) Loan b) Own fund c) From family members d) Another fund

7. Area of activity

a) Manufacturing b) Business c) All of the above

No. Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly

Agree Disagree
8 I am not fully
aware of
different
source of fund.
9 I experience
lot of difficulties
in obtaining loans.

10 I find difficulties in
raising money for
repayment of loan.

56
 No. Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree
11 Family members are
No Strongl Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
always blaming me in y Agree
. Disagree
14. I find
my difficulties in the
business activities.
12 marketing
Relativesofare not &
goods
helping me
services.
15. I face difficulties
in household in
activities.
No. Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
13 taking the feel
Do you competition
any burden
Agree Disagree
from
of competitors.
dual role?
16. I am not aware of
government rules.
17. Not getting subsidies
from government side.
18. Not get
entrepreneurship
development training
and support from
government Servants.

19. Do you feel any difficulties in acquiring raw materials?

Yes No

20. Are you face any difficulties in cost of production?

Yes No

57