Abstract
This paper argues that the perceived resistance by female entrepreneurs to take up external finance is an under explored topic. This is important because of the consequent impacts on the effectiveness of targeted financial support, ultimately causing effects on the growth and sustainability of women led micro businesses.
The qualitative study this paper draws on, captures experiences and perceptions of Welsh female business owners in areas of Wales which have had a concentration of EU economic development grant availability, referred to as “Convergence areas”. Business life histories of each participant were
constructed in order to examine key issues within the context of each woman’s experience. Although from a small area, our sample includes different business types, industry sectors and ages, the vast majority (14 out of 15 cases) reporting choosing to use personal sources of finance to start their businesses rather than accessing grants, investors or bank loans.
The paper therefore explores female micro business owners in Wales’ relationships with external finance in terms of funding their own business, to explore and convey women business owners’perceptions of external finance and in particular their reasons for not using external finance both at start up and while growing / sustaining their business. The findings allow us to understand the motivation behind their strategy and also the impact decisions have had on their business from the point of view of the business women themselves.
The qualitative study this paper draws on, captures experiences and perceptions of Welsh female business owners in areas of Wales which have had a concentration of EU economic development grant availability, referred to as “Convergence areas”. Business life histories of each participant were
constructed in order to examine key issues within the context of each woman’s experience. Although from a small area, our sample includes different business types, industry sectors and ages, the vast majority (14 out of 15 cases) reporting choosing to use personal sources of finance to start their businesses rather than accessing grants, investors or bank loans.
The paper therefore explores female micro business owners in Wales’ relationships with external finance in terms of funding their own business, to explore and convey women business owners’perceptions of external finance and in particular their reasons for not using external finance both at start up and while growing / sustaining their business. The findings allow us to understand the motivation behind their strategy and also the impact decisions have had on their business from the point of view of the business women themselves.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Annual Conference 2017 |
| Subtitle of host publication | ISBE 2017 8-9 November, Belfast |
| Place of Publication | Belfast |
| Publisher | Institute for Small Business Entrepreneurship (ISBE) |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-1-900862-30-1 |
| Publication status | Published - 8 Nov 2017 |
| Event | Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference 2017: 'Borders', Prosperity and Entrepreneurial Responses - Belfast, United Kingdom Duration: 8 Nov 2017 → 9 Nov 2017 Conference number: 40 |
Conference
| Conference | Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference 2017 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | ISBE 2017 |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Belfast |
| Period | 8/11/17 → 9/11/17 |
