DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Entrepreneurship refers to setting a new business to take advantage from new

opportunities. Entrepreneur is the key factor of entrepreneurship and now women are
successful in this as they have qualities desirable for entrepreneurship development.
Entrepreneurship is a suitable profession for women than regular employment.
Women are taking interest in the entrepreneurship in present year than past. The
women have achieved immense development in their mind. With increasing
dependency on service sectors, many opportunities are there for women. During last
two decades, increasing number of Indian women in has entered the field of business.
Women have been taking interest in recent year in self business. In the process of
entrepreneurship women have to face various problems and those problems get
doubled because of her dual role as earner and homemakers. In India most of the
homemakers want to start their own business but there is so many problems faced by
them. They feel frustrated in dual role. Govt. Started several programmed for the
training of women entrepreneurship training program create the interest among
women and helpful to increase the skills and also to build the social attitude, high
confidence.

Women entrepreneurship development is a part of human resources

development. The development to women entrepreneurship is very low in India,
especially in the rural areas.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Nilambur is a growing city in the Malappuram district. The majority people

are average family in financial background. In Nilambur block panchayath, the some
of the women are engaged in entrepreneurship. In the case of women entrepreneurs
they are facing number of problems; some of them are successful in their
entrepreneurial field while many of them could not stand in the long run in the field
due to various reasons.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Primary objective

 To study about problem faced by women entrepreneurs with special reference

to Nilambur area.

Secondary objective

 To analyse the role of women entrepreneurs in the society.

 To know about the innovations in women entrepreneurs.
 To know the involvement of Govt. agencies and financial institutions in the
development of women entrepreneurship.
 To analyse the factors influencing women entrepreneurship.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Nowadays as the cost of living shows on increase trend. Income of the family
head or male member may not be sufficient and the only solution to meet this cost is
‘women employment’. But at present the government is not capable to provide
regular job to the growing population and hence entrepreneurship is found to be a
better alternative solution.

Realizing this fact may women’s are entered in to entrepreneurial field and
many of them have been proved to be successful and on the other hand some of them
faced a number of problems. Even those who are successful in the field face many
challenges and threads.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study is related with the problem faced by women entrepreneurship with
special reference to Nilambur area. To analyse major problem faced by women
entrepreneurs and help to find out the key factor which enhance the field and give
suggestions for betterment.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research methodology adopted for carrying out the study is mainly
designed as on descriptive work based on primary and secondary data. The
respondents were selected through samples. The data were collected through
questionnaire.

Research design

The present study is descriptive in nature.

Sampling design

Sampling design or process consists of the following

1) Population of universe

The entire item under consideration in any field of enquiry constitutes a universe
of population.

2) Sampling method

Convenience sampling method is used for collection of primary data through

structured questionnaire.

3) Sampling size

The sampling size chosen for the purpose of the study was 60 respondents in
Nilambur block Panchayath, on the basis of convenience and case of calculations.

SOURCE OF DATA

Both primary and secondary data are used for the study.

1) Primary data

The primary data is collected through a structured questionnaire. The

questionnaire was circulated among 60 residing in Nilambur area. As the population
was not clear convenience sampling has been used to select the sample. The primary
data has collected from the common entrepreneurs of Nilambur area.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

2) Secondary data

Secondary data are collected mostly from:

1. Journals
2. Websites
3. Books

TOOLS USED FOR DATA COLLECTION

A well structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study.

TOOLS FOR DATA PRESENTATION

1. Table
2. Chart
3. Graph

TOOLS FOR DATA ANALYSIS

1. Percentage analysis
2. Weighted ranking
3. Weighted average method

AREA OF STUDY

Area of study confined to Nilambur area.

PERIOD OF STUDY

The study covers a period of 21 days.

LIMITATION OF STUDY

 The study is restricted only to the Nilambur block Panchayath. So, the result
may not be applicable to other areas.
 As per the population of the study is huge the researcher has taken only 60
sample.
 The time period of the study is 21 days.
 Entrepreneur showed disinterest in answering the questions due to work load.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

CHAPTER PLAN

 First chapter contains introduction of the study, objective of the study,

statement of the problem, significance of the study, scope of the study,
research methodology, and limitations of the study.
 The second chapter contains review of literature.
 The third chapter contains theoretical frame work.
 The fourth chapter contains analysis and interpretation of collect data and has
been classified and tabulated for analysis.
 The fifth chapter contains the summary, findings and suggestions for
improving the entrepreneurship.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

There is a growing interest in entrepreneurship, particularly women

entrepreneurship, the world over. A number of studies have been undertaken in other
countries as well as in India to investigate the various aspects of women
entrepreneurship. These studies clearly indicate that women entrepreneurship is
indispensable for the overall development of the nation.

Several studies conducted in the west have highlighted the different aspects of
women entrepreneurship. The core area covered by individual researchers and
institutions includes: reasons for women entrepreneurship, characteristics and status
of women entrepreneurs, slope of activities of women entrepreneurs, involvement of
various agencies in the development of women entrepreneurship and problems of
women entrepreneurs.

Schwartz (1979)1 in a exploratory study of 20 female entrepreneurs found that

their prime motivations for starting a business were the need to achieve, the desire to
be independent, the need for job satisfaction, and economic necessity.

Sin field (1981)2 observed that with high levels of long-term unemployment in
various ‘female sectors’ of the economy, proprietorship is becoming an important
means of employment for many women.

Allen and Truman(1999)3 pointed out that the alternative options in the
mainstream labour market could be very limiting for women while entrepreneurship
may be a positive escape route.

Shaver, Gartner and Gatewood (1995)4 stated that ‘women decide to

become entrepreneurs for such reasons as self-fulfillment and as a way to actualize
personal goals that focus on family’.

Marlow (1997)5demonstrates that as a consequence of their background,

Scandinavian women set up business in the service sector with little use of advanced
technology, with relatively small preliminary expenses, relatively low prospects of
income, and lower growth potential.

Hirata and Humphreg (1990)6 have found in their study that older men with
children trend to resist entering informal sector occupations and continue to aspire to

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

formal sector jobs. This might be in quite separate spheres of women there is no
possibility of direct competition with them. Again, Jokes (1991), 32 observed that
over 80 percent of men, with the engaging a range of other informal sector activities.

Vander and Romijn (1987)7 made a study on small enterprises run by

women. They found that business association and service agencies set up for
supporting small enterprises also limit women access to their services.

Schwartz (1979)8 made a study of 20 female entrepreneurs found that the

major problem encountered during start-up was credit discrimination and the
subsequent problem was underestimating operating and or marketing costs.

White (1991)9 in his study states that in west Java, if women’s enterprises
grow in scale and capitalization, quite commonly husbands, who previously played
only a minor, if any, role in the enterprise, impose themselves as managers, the
women being relegated to the status of unpaid family member.

Saraswathi Amma and Sudarsanan Pillai (2000)10 in a study on women

entrepreneurs in garment industries in Kerala pointed out that all successful women
entrepreneurs had strong family support and enjoyed personal freedom and majority
of the women were concentrated in urban areas. They emphasized the need for EDP
for helping women in non-traditional, high-skill and male dominated activities.

Chittawadagi (2004)11 in his study ‘women entrepreneurship in co-operative

banking sector’ observed that women entrepreneurs with professional competence and
leadership qualities are able to mobilize deposits and same profitability.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

REFERENCE

1. Schwartz (1979) in a exploratory study of 20 female entrepreneurs found that

their prime motivations for starting a business.
2. Sin field (1981) observed that with high levels of long-term unemployment in
various ‘female sectors’ of the economy.
3. Allen and Truman(1999) pointed out that the alternative options in the
mainstream labour market.
4. Shaver, Gartner and Gatewood (1995) ‘women decide to become entrepreneurs
for such reasons as self-fulfillment and as a way to actualize personal goals that
focus on family’.
5. Marlow (1997) Scandinavian women set up business in the service sector with
little use of advanced technology.
6. Hirata and Humphreg (1990) study that older men with children trend to resist
entering informal sector occupations and continue to aspire to formal sector jobs.
7. Vander and Romijn (1987) They found that business association and service
agencies set up for supporting small enterprises also limit women access to their
services.
8. Schwartz (1979) made a study of 20 female entrepreneurs found that the major
problem encountered during start-up was credit discrimination.
9. White (1991) study states that in west Java, if women’s enterprises grow in scale
and capitalization.
10. Saraswathi Amma and Sudarsanan Pillai (2000) study on women
entrepreneurs in garment industries in Kerala.
11. Chittawadagi (2004) study ‘women entrepreneurship in co-operative banking
sector’.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

3.1 WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Women constitute about 50% of the world population. In traditional societies,

they are confined to performing household activities. Hence women are generally
called home makers. But today, in modern society they have moved out of four walls
of the house and are taking part in all areas of life.

Now-a-days women are seen in academic, teaching, politics, administration,

software development, banking sector, hospitals, managing business enterprises etc.
Today the entrepreneurial world is open to the womenfolk. It is estimated that
presently women entrepreneurs comprise about 10% of the total entrepreneurs in
India. This percentage is growing every year. If prevailing trends continue, it is
likely that in another 5 years women will comprise about 20% of the entrepreneurial
force in India. The myth that women are fit only for the making of 3 ps (papad,
powder, pickle) is shattered completely today.

3.2 The concept of women entrepreneurship

According to the general concept, women entrepreneur may be defined as a

women or a group of women who initiate, organise and operate a business enterprise.
The government of India has defined a women entrepreneurship as “an enterprise
owned and controlled by a women having a minimum financial interest of 51% of the
capital and giving at least 51% of the employment generated in the enterprise to
women”.

With effect from 6th Feb.1992, the definition of ‘Women Entrepreneurs’

enterprises is as follows.

“A small scale industrial unit/ industrially related services or business

enterprise managed by one or more women entrepreneurs in proprietary concerns in
which she/ they will individually or jointly have share capital of not less than 51% as
partners/share holders/directors of private limited company, members of co-operative
society”.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

3.3 Reasons for the slow growth of women entrepreneurship in

Kerala

In spite of the initiatives taken by the government, the growth of women

entrepreneurship is very slow in the state. The reasons are outlined as below:

1. Unfavourable family background.

2. Lack of business education.
3. Dual role of women.
4. Lack of aptitudes and training.
5. Absence of individualistic spirit.
6. Lack of freedom to choose a job accounting to ability, influence of sex,
custom etc.
7. Inadequate infrastructure facilities.
8. Shortage of capital and technical knowhow.
9. Shortage of power.
10. Lack of security.
11. Absence of ideal market conditions.
12. Corruption in administration.

3.4 Challenges (Problems) of women entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs face two sets of problems, namely, general problems of

entrepreneurs and problems specific to women entrepreneurs. These are summarised
as follows.

1. Shortage of finance: Women and small entrepreneurs always suffer from

inadequate fixed and working capital. They cannot raise external funds because
they do not have tangible security to provide. Women, generally, do not have
property in their names. Owing to lack of confidence in women’s ability, male
members in the family do not like to risk their capital in ventures run by women.
2. Shortage of raw material: Women entrepreneurs find it difficult to procure
material and other necessary inputs. The price of many raw materials is quite
high. The failure of women co-operatives in 1971 engaged in basket making was
mainly due to inadequate availability of forest based raw materials.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

3. Inadequate marketing facilities: most of the women entrepreneurs depend on

intermediaries for marketing their products. They exploit the women
entrepreneurs. Further, it is very difficult for the women entrepreneurs to explore
the market and to make their product popular. For women, market is a
‘chakravyuh’.
4. Keen competition: Women entrepreneurs face tough competition from male
entrepreneurs and also from organised industries. They cannot afford to spend
large sums of advertisement. Again, they cannot appoint selling agencies. Thus,
they will have to struggle for the existence in the market.
5. High cost of production: This is perhaps the most important problem a women
entrepreneur face. High price of material, low productivity, under utilisation of
capacity etc. Account for high cost of production. The government assistance
and subsidies would not be sufficient for the survival.
6. Family responsibilities: it is the duty of the women entrepreneur to look after the
children and family members. Management of family may be more complicated
than the management of a business. Hence she cannot put her full involvement in
the family may not be co-operative in the running of the business.
7. Low mobility: One of the biggest handicaps for women entrepreneur is her
inability to travel from one place to another for business purpose. A single
women asking for room is looked upon with suspicion. Sometimes licensing
authorities, labour officials and sales tax officials may harass them. Many are the
case where women have dropped out of business due to such difficulties.
8. Lack of education: About 60% of women are still illiterate in India. In the
society it is believed that man is the bread-winner of the family. In the male
dominated society, a woman is discouraged to learn more by the male members
of the family. There exists a belief that investing in women’s education is a
liability, not an asset. Even if she is educated, she may not have technical and
business education. Lack of knowledge and experience creates further problems
in the setting up and operation of business.
9. Low capacity to bear risks: All throughout life- time women lead a protected life
dominated by the family members. She is not economically independent. All
these reduce her ability to bear the business risks. She may not have confidence
to bear the risk alone. If she cannot bear risks, she can never be an entrepreneur.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

10. Lack of training: A women entrepreneur from middle class starts her first
entrepreneurial venture in her late thirties or early forties due to her commitments
towards children. Therefore, her biggest problem is the lack of sufficient
business training. This is absolutely true in case of rural women entrepreneurs
who are uneducated.
11. Lack of information: Women entrepreneurs sometimes are not aware of
technological developments and other information on subsidies and concessions
available to them. They may not know how to get loans, industrial estate, raw
materials etc.

3.5 Remedies to solve the problems of women entrepreneurs

The following measures may be taken to solve the problems faced by women
entrepreneurs in India.

1. In banks and public financial institutions, special cells may be opened for
providing easy finance to women entrepreneurs. These cells should be manned
by women officers and clerks. Further, finance maybe provided at concessional
rates of interest.
2. Women entrepreneurs should be encouraged and assisted to set up co-operatives
with a view to eliminate middlemen. These co-operatives will pool the inputs of
women enterprises and sell them on remunerative prices.
3. Scarce and imported raw materials may be made available to women
entrepreneurs on priority basis.
4. Steps may be taken to make family members aware of the potential of girls and
their due role in society. At the same time there must be change in the negative
social attitudes towards women.
5. Honest and sincere attempts should be undertaken by the government and social
organisations to increase literacy among females.
6. In rural areas self employment opportunities should be developed for helping
women.
7. Marketing facilities for the purpose of buying and selling of both raw and
finished goods should be provided in easy reach.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

3.6 Assistance to women entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship does not differentiate the sex. A number of facilities and

assistance are offered to the entrepreneurs. These equally apply to women
entrepreneurs. However, certain additional (special) facilities/incentives are offered
women entrepreneurs to motivate them and to bring them in the mainstream of
industrial development. These incentives or facilities are discussed as follows:

 Small Industrial Development Organisation (SIDO)

SIDO through a network of SISIs conduct the EDPs exclusively for women
entrepreneurs. The main is to develop entrepreneurial traits and qualities among
women and enable them to identify entrepreneurial opportunities etc. SISIs provide
technical consultancy and guidance to the women entrepreneurs in right selection of
enterprise, preparation of feasibility reports etc.

 National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)

The H.P scheme of NSIC provides preferential treatment to women

entrepreneurs. While the earnest money required from entrepreneurs for supply of
machine is 20% of the value in non backward area, it is only 15% for women
entrepreneurs for machines valued up to Rs.5 lakhs. There is also a lower service
charge. NSIC also conducts Entrepreneurs and Enterprise Building Programmes for
women.

 Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI)

The schemes of IDBI for women entrepreneurs are summarised as follows: (all
projects of women entrepreneurs in SSI sector):

Promoter’s contribution: It is 12.5% of the project cost of units set up in category a

backward district and 15% of the project cost in other cases. Rate of interest is 12%
p.a with refinance from IDBI at 9% p.a to the leading institution. It is repayable
within a period of 10 years.

IDBI conduct programmes of training and extension services through designated

approved agencies and associations with other development agencies like EDII,

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TCOs, KVIC etc. Generally the financial assistance to training development agencies
cover expenditure for rental for training centres, boarding and lodging, course
materials, consultancy, industry market visits, post-training follow-up and escort
services.

 Small Industries Development Bank Of India

SIDBI has special schemes for financial assistance to women entrepreneurs. It

provides training and extension services. It gives financial assistance at concessional
terms to help women entrepreneurs in setting up tiny and small units. The schemes
are operated through SFCs and State Industrial Development Corporations.

 Commercial Banks

A number of commercial banks have evolved their own schemes of financial

assistance to women entrepreneurs. The “sthree shakthi package schemes” of SBI
provides a package of assistance to women entrepreneurs. In this scheme, financial
assistance to the extent of Rs. 25,000 can be extended to the women entrepreneurs
without collateral security or guarantee. The consultancy wing of SBI gives guidance
of project identification and project viability. The programme of financial assistance
included a wide spectrum. Apart from setting up industrial units, a host of activities
are included in programme of assistance such as repair and servicing, photo copying,
dry cleaning, retail trade business enterprises etc.

 Kudumbasree Units
With the objectives of poverty eradication and women empowerment,
Kudumbasree has been introduced in Kerala. Under this, the women from poor
families are identified. The poor women are organised into community-based
organisations. They start and operate micro enterprises. They earn income
through self-employment.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.1

AGE OF SELECTED WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Age No of Percentage
entrepreneurs
Up to 25 3 5

26-35 18 30

36-45 27 45

Above 46 12 20

Total 60 100

Source: Primary data.

FIGURE 4.1

Figure 4.1: Age of selected

INTERPRETATION

The larger number of women entrepreneurs belonging to the age group of

36-45 years may be because by this time they are mature enough to start their
own professional life. In addition to this, it may also be possible that by this age
they are free from major family responsibilities.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4 .2

Educational qualification

Educational qualification No of entrepreneurs Percentage

Below SSLC 28 46.6

SSLC - +2 19 31.6

Degree & above 13 21.6

Total 60 60

Source: primary data

0.5
0.4
0.3 Below SSLC; SSLC - +2;
PERCENT- PERCENT-
0.2 AGE; 0.466 Degree &
AGE; Above;
0.31600000 PERCENT-
0.1 0000001 AGE; 0.216
0
Below SSLC SSLC - +2 Degree &
Above

Figure 4.2: Educational qualification

INTERPRETATION

The above table 4.2 shows that most 46.6% of the women entrepreneurs
have only below SSLC as qualification. Only 21.6% has degree and above
qualification. So the educated women are not more interested in entrepreneurship.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.3

Marital status

Marital status of No of women Percentage of women

women’s entrepreneurs entrepreneurs

Married 36 60

Unmarried 3 5

Widow 12 20

Divorce 9 15

Total 60 100

Source : primary data

Divorce;
Percentage
of women
en-
trepreneurs;
0.15; 15%
Widow; Per-
centage of
women en-
trepreneurs;
0.2; 20%
Married; Per-
Unmarried; centage of
Percentage of women en-
women en- trepreneurs;
trepreneurs; 0.60000000000
0.05; 5% 0002; 60%

Figure 4.3: Marital status

INTERPRETATION

This table 4.3 shows 60% of women entrepreneurs have got married.
Among the remaining 20% are widows and 15% are divorcees which may
enhance their family burden.

TABLE 4.4

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Type of family
Opinion No. of respondent Percentage
Joint family 29 48.3
Nuclear family 31 51.7
Total 60 100
Source: primary data.

Figure 4.4: Type of family

INTERPRETATION
From the study it is analysed that 48.3% of women entrepreneurs in joint
family and 51.7% of women entrepreneurs in nuclear family . Here we come to a
conclusion the most of the women entrepreneurs are live in nuclear family.

TABLE 4.5

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Annual income
Annual income of the No of women Percentage of women
family of women entrepreneurs entrepreneurs
entrepreneurs
Below10000 15 25
10,000-20000 21 35
20000-30000 9 15
30000-40000 6 10
40000-50000 3 5
50000 and above 6 10
Total 60 100
Source : primary data

0.325
0.275 10,000-
0.225 20000;
0.175 ANNUAL
INCOME; 20000-30000; 50000 and
0.125 0.35 ANNUAL IN- 30000-40000; above;
0.075 ANNUAL 40000-50000; ANNUAL
IN-
COME; 0.15
0.025 COME; 0.1 ANNUAL IN- INCOME;
COME; 0.05
10,000- 20000- 30000- 40000- 500000.1and
20000 30000 40000 50000 above

AN- 0.35 0.15 0.1 0.05 0.1

NUAL
IN-
COME

Figure 4.5: Annual Income

INTERPRETATION

As shown in table 4.5 the study shows that the low income of the family is the
main reason for undertaking entrepreneurship as 25% of entrepreneurs come
from the lower income group of less than Rupees 10,000 per annum and 35%
from Rupees 10,000-20,000.

TABLE 4.6

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

The solving style of various problems as a women entrepreneur

Opinion No. of respondent Percentage

With own experience and 21 35
knowledge
With co-operation of 15 25
family members
With co-operation of 24 40
friends
Other 0 0
Total 60 100
Source: primary data

with own ex- with co-oper-

perience and ation of
knowledge; with co-oper- friends; SOLV-
SOLVING ation of fam- ING SLYLE OF
SLYLE OF THE ily; SOLVING THE VARIOUS
VARIOUS SLYLE OF THE PROBLEMS AS
PROBLEMS AS VARIOUS AN ENTRE-
30 AN ENTRE- PROBLEMS AS PRENEUR; 24 other; SOLV-
PRENEUR; 21 AN ENTRE- ING SLYLE OF
20 PRENEUR; 15 THE VARIOUS
PROBLEMS AS
10 AN ENTRE-
PRENEUR; 0
0

Figure 4.6: The solving style of various problems as a women entrepreneur

INTERPRETATION

From the study it is clear that 40% of women entrepreneurs are solving her
various problems for with the co-operation of friends and only 25% of women
entrepreneurs are solving her problems for with the co-operation of family member.

TABLE 4.7

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Ownership of building
For undertaking any business or enterprise a shelter is necessary either owned or
rented building.

Type of ownership No of women Percentage of women

entrepreneurs entrepreneurs

Owned 12 20

Rent 48 80

Total 60 100

Source : primary data

Owned; No
of women
en-
trepreneurs;
12; 20%

Rent; No of
women en-
trepreneurs;
48; 80%

Figure 4.7: Ownership of building

INTERPRETATION

While considering the ownership of the building most of the entrepreneurs

(80%) they are running their business in rendered buildings. Only 20% entrepreneurs
engaging their business in owned buildings.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.8

Motivation for women entrepreneurs

Opinion No. of respondents Percentage

Family members 16 26.6

Friends 28 46.6

Self wish 8 13.3

From govt. 8 13.3

Total 60 100

Source: primary data.

FROM
GOVT.; Se- FAMILY
ries1; 13.3; MEMBER ;
13% Series1;
SELF WISH; 26.6; 27%
Series1;
13.3; 13%

FRIENDS; Series1;
46.6; 47%

Figure 4.8: Motivation for women entrepreneurs

INTERPRETATION

From the study it is analysed that 46.6% of women entrepreneurs had an

opinion that friends are more motivated and only 13.3 % of women entrepreneurs
says the self and government had to motivated for women entrepreneurship .we come
to a conclusion that most of entrepreneurs are motivated by her friends.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.9

Family and social support

Number of satisfied percentage of Number of Percentage of

entrepreneurs satisfied dis-satisfied dis-satisfied
entrepreneurs entrepreneurs entrepreneurs
Social support 21 35% 39 65
Family support 54 90% 6 10

Source primary data

% of satisfied % of dis-satis-
entrepreneurs; % of dis-satis-
fied en-
fied en-
trepreneurs;
%Family sup-
of satisfied
port; 0.9 trepreneurs;
Family sup-
entrepreneurs;
Social support;
port; 0.1
Social support;
0.650000000
0.35
000005
s s
eur u r
n ne
p re pr
e
tre tre
en en
d d
s fie s fie
s ati s ati
f s -
%
o di
of
%

Figure 4.9: Family and social support

INTERPRETATION

While looking in to the social and family support of a women

entrepreneur 65% of the sample is not satisfied with the support from society
whereas 90% of them are satisfied with family support and encouragement.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.10

The influencing factor of starting the enterprise

Opinion No. of respondent Percentage

Success stories 30 50
Previous association 20 33.3
Advice of family 10 16.6
Other 0 0
Total 60 100
Source: primary data

Figure 4.10: The influencing factor of starting the enterprise

INTERPRETATION

From the study it is clear that 50% of women entrepreneurs had an opinion the
influencing factor of starting the enterprise is success stories and only 16.6 % of
women entrepreneurs had her opinion is advice of family.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.11

Reasons for locating enterprise in Nilambur area

Opinion No. of respondent Percentage

Infrastructural 18 30
facilities

Demand for product 20 33.3

Adverse of family 12 20
member

Any other 10 16.6

Total 60 100

Source: primary data

Any other;
Any other
Col1; 16.6
advice of
advice of family family;
Col1; 20
Demand for
Demand for product product;
Col1; 33.3
Infrastruc-
tural facili-
Infrastructural facilities
ties; Col1;
30
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Figure 4.11: Reasons for locating enterprise in Nilambur area

INTERPRETATION

In above data 33.3% of women entrepreneurs support their demand of product

and only 20%of women entrepreneurs support advise of family member .Here we

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

come to a conclusion that most of the reason for locating enterprise in NILAMBUR is
the demand of product.

TABLE 4.12
The difficulty faced by women entrepreneurs

Opinion No. of respondent Percentage

Lack of knowledge 10 16.6
No idea for business 14 23.3
Lack of mobility 20 33.3
Other 16 26.6
Total 60 100
Source: primary data

Lack of
knowledge;
Series1; 16.6;
other; Series1; 17%
26.6; 27%

No idea for
business; Se-
ries1; 23.3;
lack of mobil- 23%
ity; Series1;
33.3; 33%

Figure 4.12: The difficulty faced by women entrepreneurs

INTERPRETATION

In above data 33.3% of women entrepreneurs are support lack of mobility and
only 16.6 entrepreneurs are supporting lack of knowledge .Herd we come to a
conclusion that most of the various weakness women entrepreneurship is lack of
mobility.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.13
Opinion of career

Opinion No. Of respondents Percentage

Lack of permanent job 15 25
Lack of educational qualification 7 11.6
Tradition of family 7 11.6
Family responsibility 11 18.3
Need for self independence 32 53.3
Total 60 100

Source: Primary data

Figure 4.13: Opinion of career

INTERPRETATION
In above data 53.3 % of women entrepreneurs support the motivation factor
undertaking the business is need for self Independence and only 11.6 % is supporting
tradition of family and lack of educational qualification.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.14

Source of finance
Opinion No. of respondents Percentage
Bank loan 17 10
Family 12 20
Friends or relatives 6 28.3
Govt. agencies 9 15
Self 16 26.6
Total 60 100
Source: primary data

Figure 4.14: Source of finance

INTERPRETATION

In above data 28.3% of women entrepreneurs contain source of finance is

friends or family members and only 10% of women entrepreneurs collecting finance
from bank loan. We come to a conclusion that most of the people are collecting
finance from friend or relatives.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.15

The main problems faced by women entrepreneurs

Opinion No. of respondent Percentage

Economical problem 16 26.6
Social problem 24 40
Legal problem 17 28.3
Other problem 3 5
Total 60 100
Source: primary data

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

b lem b lem b lem b lem

o o o o
l pr l pr l pr r pr
ica cia ega he
om S o L ot
on
Ec

Figure 4.15: The main problems faced by women entrepreneurs

INTERPRETATION

From the study it is clear that 40% of women entrepreneurs are facing social
problem in the enterprise and only 26.6 entrepreneurs are facing economical problem
in enterprise. Here we come to a conclusion that the most of entrepreneurs are facing
the social problems in an enterprise.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Opinion No of respondents Percentage

Highly satisfied 31 51.6
Satisfied 15 25
Dissatisfied 6 10
Satisfied some extent 8 13.3
Total 60 100
TABLE 4.16

The satisfaction level of women entrepreneurship to the involvement of Govt.

agencies
Source: primary data

SATISFIED SOME
EXTENT
DISSATISFIED

SATISFIED

HIGHLY SATISFIED

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Figure 4.16: The satisfaction level of women entrepreneurship to the involvement of

Govt. agencies
INTERPRETATION

From the study it is clear that 51.6 women entrepreneurs is highly satisfied to
the involvement of Govt. agencies and 25 % of people are satisfied, 10% of people
dissatisfied and only 13.3 % entrepreneurs are satisfied some extent. Here we come to
a conclusion that most of peoples are satisfied to the involvement of Govt. agencies.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.17

The opinion about women entrepreneurship helps to development of country

OPINION NO.OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

YES 41 68.3
NO 19 31.6
TOTAL 60 100
Source: primary data

no; Series1;
31.6; 32%
yes; Series1;
68.3; 68%

Figure 4.17: The opinion about women entrepreneurship helps to development of

country

INTERPRETATION
In above data 68.3 women entrepreneurs support to entrepreneurship
help to the development of country and only 31.6 % of women entrepreneurs says
does not help to the development of country in an women entrepreneurship. Here
we come to a conclusion that most of the people are says the entrepreneurship
helps to the development of country.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.18

The mode of transport is used by women enterprise

Opinion No. of respondents Percentage

Vehicle 31 51.6

Public transportation 20 33.33

No transportation 9 15

Total 60 100

Source: primary data

60

50 Vehicle; Series1;
51.6
40

30 Public transporta-
tion; Series1;
33.33
20

No transporta-
10 tion; Series1; 15

0
Vehicle Public transportation No transportation

Figure 4.18: The mode of transport is used by women enterprise

INTERPRETATION
From the study it is clear that 51.6 %women entrepreneurs are using own
car to the transportation and 33.33% of women entrepreneurs are using public
transportation and only 15% of women entrepreneurs are not using the transportation
facilities.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.19
The opinion about women entrepreneur has a good role in the society

Opinion No. of respondent Percentage

Yes 44 73.3

No 16 26.6

Total 60 100

Source: primary data

No; Series1;
26.6; 27%

Yes; Series1;
73.3; 73%

Figure 4.19: The opinion about women entrepreneur has a good role in the
society
INTERPRETATION
From the study it is analysed that 73.3% of people says women
entrepreneurship have a good role in society and only 26.6 women entrepreneurs
says there is no role of women entrepreneurship in the society.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.20

Satisfaction opinion of women entrepreneurs

Opinion No. of respondent Percentage

Satisfied 38 63.3

Not satisfied 22 36.6

Total 60 100

Source: primary data

Figure 4.20: Satisfaction opinion of women entrepreneurs

INTERPRETATION

From the study it is analysed that the 63.5 women entrepreneurs are
satisfied with an entrepreneur and only 36.6 %. Of women entrepreneurs are not
satisfied.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TABLE 4.21
Financial problem of an entrepreneur

Opinion No. of respondent Percentage

Yes 35 58.33
No 25 41.66
Total 60 100
Source: primary data

70
60
Yes; Series1;
50 58.33
40 No; Series1;
30 41.66

20
10
0
Yes No

Figure 4.21: Financial problem of an entrepreneur

INTERPRETATION

From the study it is analysed that 41.66% of women entrepreneurs had an

support no financial problems in enterprise and 58.33% of women entrepreneurs had
an support the financial problems.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

5.1 SUMMARY

In traditional Indian society women are accorded inferior status in family

hierarchy. The Indian society considered women as weaker sex. Such
sociological and cultural traditions and taboos have kept women dormant for
quite a long time. In 19th century many social reforms in India rose against the
evil practices. From Ram Mohan Roy to Gandhiji, efforts were focused to
improve status of women. With globalization and knowledge based society
spreading like wildfire in the world today, the realization of women’s crucial role
in human development has been gaining acceptance. The emergence of women
on the economic scene as entrepreneurs is a significant development in the
emancipation of women and securing for them a place in the society, which they
have all along deserved.

With the advance of science and technology an increasing number of women

are come-out of their traditional home making and went to entrepreneurship with
their creativity. As a women entrepreneur of todays face various challenges in all
area operation in ever changing situation. There have many issues and challenges
for women entrepreneurs for conducting their business, especially in malappuram
district.

The first chapter deal with introduction to the topic, its significance, objectives
and the problem to be studied are stated there. Study is relevant as there have
issues and challenges for women entrepreneurs. Chapter two is dealing with
review of literature.

The third chapter is dealing with an overview entrepreneurship. The fourth

chapter makes an analysis of the collected data to understand the issues and
challenges of women entrepreneurs in Malappuram district, motivational factors
and their social involvement. The fourth chapter summarizes study, point out the
findings, and make a conclusion and suggestions.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

5.2 FINDINGS

 The larger number of women entrepreneurs belonging to the age group of

36-45 years may be because by this time they are mature enough to start
their own professional life.
 The most 46.6% of the women entrepreneurs has only below SSLC as
qualification.
 60% of women entrepreneurs have got married.
 51.7% of women entrepreneurs in nuclear family.
 The study shows that the low income of the family of the main reason for
undertaking entrepreneurship as 25% of entrepreneurs come from the lower
income group of less than rupees 10000 per annum and 35% from Rupees
10000-20000.
 40% of women entrepreneurs are solving her various problems for with the
co-operation of friends.
 Only 20% entrepreneurs engaging their business in owned buildings.
 46.6% of women entrepreneurs had an opinion that friends are more
motivated.
 90% of them are satisfied with family support and encouragement.
 Only 16.6% of women entrepreneurs had her opinion is advice of family.
 33.3% of women entrepreneurs support their demand of product.
 33.3% of women entrepreneurs are support lack of mobility.
 53.3% of women entrepreneurs support the motivation factor undertaking
the business is need for self independence.
 23.3% of women entrepreneurs contain source of finance is friends or
family members.
 40% of women entrepreneurs are facing social problem in the enterprise.
 51.6% of women entrepreneurs are highly satisfied to the involvement of
Govt. agencies.
 68.3% of women entrepreneurs support to entrepreneurship help to the
development of country.
 51.6% of women entrepreneurs are using vehicle to the transportation.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

 73.3% of people says women entrepreneurship have a good role in society.

 From the study it is analysed that the 63.5 women entrepreneurs are
satisfied with an entrepreneur and only 36.6% of women entrepreneurs are
not satisfied.
 From the study it is analysed that the 58.33% of women entrepreneurs had
an support financial problems in enterprise and 41.66 women entrepreneurs
does not support financial problem of an entrepreneurs.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

5.3 SUGGESTIONS

 Finance is the first major problem for women entrepreneurs. Hence, the govt
should provide interest free loan in speedily to encourage women entrepreneurs,
subsidy should be increased.

 The women entrepreneur should take advantage from kudumbashree providing

funds.

 Women entrepreneurs should be encouraged to start their entrepreneurs as joint

stock companies rather than as a sole trade to avail the advantage of large scale
operation.

 Govt. should facilitate top rankers women entrepreneurs. Women entrepreneurs

should be more competitive and efficient in the local and international market.

 Special awareness programs for coming to entrepreneurial activities to attract

new generation.

 Govt should arrange special training programs for the women entrepreneurship.

 Legal formalities should be liberalizing for start entrepreneurship.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

5.4 CONCLUSION

Through this study an earnest attempt has been made to reveal the issues and
challenges of women entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship is the core of economic development. It is a multi dimensional

task and essentially a creative activity. For a success of enterprise especially for
women entrepreneurs there should have a positive working environment and support,
more than a male entrepreneur need. This study reveals that now-a- days each and
every woman entrepreneurs situated in Nilambur area, in a way or another are facing
various problems. It is related to their socio, economic, technical factors.

Also there have various motivational factors influenced by them. Most of them
are contributing various benefits to the society. Today most of the women’s are aware
about importance of self independence.

In short, at present women entrepreneurs are facing various problems related to

their socio economic conditions. Efforts should be made to overcome this for better
development of our economy and improve the society’s standard of living.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

BOOKS:
 Bisht ,N.S. and Sharma, P.K. (1991)
Entrepreneurship: Expectations and Experience
Delhi

Himalaya Publishing House

 Desai, V (1996)
The Entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship and Development
Principles and Applications
New Delhi

Himalaya Publishing House

 Vinze, M.D. (1987)

Women Entrepreneurs in India
Delhi

Mittal Publications

 C.R. Kothari “ Research Methodology And Techniques”

Wishwa Prakashan, Newdelhi
 Business Research Methodology
Dr. K Venugopalan, Calicut University Publications
 Entrepreneurship Development
S.Anilkumar

WEBSITES

 www.google.com
 www.inflibnet.in
 www.wikipidia.com
 www.ask.com
 www.entrepreneur.com
 www.womenentrepreneursindia.com
 www.forbes.com

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

QUESTIONNAIRE

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am sixth semester B.com student of S V P K Arts and Science

College, Palemad. I am conducting a study on “PROBLEM FACED BY WOMEN
ENTREPRENEURS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO NILAMBUR AREA”.
I would be obliged if you kindly fill up the questionnaire which required for collecting
data for my B.com project. I assure you that I will keep the information confidential
and use only for my academic purpose.

Yours faithfully

VARSHA.K.S

1. Name:
2. Age:
a) Up to 25 b) 26-35

c) 36-46 d) Above 46

3. Education:
a) Below SSLC b) SSLC to Plus two
c) Degree d) Other

4. Marital Status
a) Married b) Unmarried
c) Widow d) Divorce

5. Types of family

a) Joint Family b) Nuclear Family

6. Annual Income

a) Below 10000 b) 10000 to 20000

c) 20000 to 30000 d) Above 50000

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

7. How you solve your various problems as an entrepreneur

a) With own experience and knowledge

b) With co-operation of family members

c) With co-operation of friends

8. Ownership of building

a) Rental b) Owned

9. From where did you get motivation to become an entrepreneur?

a) Family Member b) Friends

c) Self Wish d) From Govt.

10. Are you satisfied with family and social support?

a) Yes b) No

11. What are the main reasons for locating enterprise in Nilambur

a) Infrastructure Facility b) Demand for product

12. What are the influencing factors of starting the enterprise?

a) Success stories b) Previous association

c) Advice of family d) others

13. What are the difficulties faced by women entrepreneur

a) Lack of Knowledge b) No idea of business

c) Lack of Mobility d) others

14. Why did you choose this career?

a) Lack of permanent job b) Lack of education

c) Tradition of family

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

15. From where did you get finance?

a) Bank loan b) Family

c) Friends or relatives d) Govt. agencies

16. What are the main problems faced by women entrepreneur

a) Economical Problem b) Social problem

c) Legal Problem d) Other Problem

17. Are you satisfied in the involvement of govt. Agencies in the development of
women entrepreneurship?

a) Highly satisfied b) Satisfied c) Neutral

d) Dissatisfied e) Highly Dissatisfied

18. Do you believe that women entrepreneurship helps in the developments of

country?

a) Yes b) No

19. Which mode of transport is used by women entrepreneurs?

c) No transportation

20. Do you believe that women entrepreneur have a good role in the society

a) Yes b) No

21. Are you satisfied as an entrepreneur?

a) Satisfied b) Not satisfied

22. Are you face any financial problems as an entrepreneur

a) Yes b) No

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