Abstract:
This study was designed to shade light on factors that affect the performance of women
entrepreneurs in Ambo. The study employed a descriptive survey research designs is used in
preliminary and explanatory part of the study to allow researchers together information,
summarize, present and interpret data for the purpose of clarification. It also addressed the
features of women entrepreneurs as well as their respective business and challenges
encountered. A sample of 153 women entrepreneurs engaged that means 10% from each
kebele was taken for the study using simple random sampling using lottery method. In an
attempt to provide answers to the basic research questions, a questionnaire that includes
demographic profiles, characteristics of women entrepreneurs and their business, factors that
affect the performance of women entrepreneurs and support they seek from stakeholders was
designed in a closed ended Likert Scales. After the data has been collected, it was analysed
using simple statistical techniques (tables and percentages) and descriptive statistics (mean
and standard deviations). The results of the study indicate the personal characteristics of
women entrepreneurs in Ambo and factors that affect their performance. It also shows that
lack of own premises (land), financial access, inadequate access to training, lack of
proficiency in business planning and leadership, access to technology and access to raw
materials were the key factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs. 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 and
administrative factors include access to policymakers, interest rates, bureaucracies and red
tape, and overall legal and regulatory environments in entrepreneurs successful attain
entrepreneurial activities. The study also found that issues like human resources
management, raw material supply, and access to utilities, financing as well as restricting
business regulations pose challenges to women entrepreneurs implying that business
establishment and operational challenges need to be given due accordance by the concerned.
the
This recommendation addresses Ambo Women Entrepreneurs, Financial Institutions,
Educational Institutions and responsible Government Organizations to work in cooperation
for
strong and feasible development of Women Entrepreneurs in Ambo.
