The Practice and Challenge Of Women Entrepreneurs In Case Of Holeta Town

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the Challenges that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs. A sample of 162 women entrepreneurs engaged in 5 sectors was taken for the study using stratified and simple random sampling. In the process of answering the basic questions, a questionnaire that include demographic profiles, characteristics of women entrepreneurs and their enterprises, challenges that affect the of women entrepreneurs. After the data has been collected, it was analyzed using simple statistical techniques (tables 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 business performance. 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 challenges that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs business in MSEs. The study also found that conflicting gender roles, social acceptability and ,network with outsiders were the major social challenges that affect these entrepreneurs .Furthermore, the main legal/ administrative Challenges 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 Training Institutions provide technology, machine maintenance, technical skill training and facility supports, co operations in the areas of business related trainings are poor. Based on the major findings, recommendations were forwarded to existing and potential entrepreneurs, MSEs, Micro finances and training Institutions educators.