Women entrepreneurship in developing economies: a gender-based growth model

Women entrepreneurship research in the developing world relies on theoretical perspectives derived elsewhere. Hence, understanding the original business development approaches adopted by women entrepreneurs in developing economies remains elusive. Accordingly, we collected and analyzed rich data generated through 31 in-depth interviews and artifacts on Nigerian women entrepreneurs in the garment manufacturing business. Our analysis revealed distinct constructs that account for their business development activities. It shows money (usage and utilization), market (customer intelligence), and management (non–formal education and experience) as crucial enterprise development components in women entrepreneurship. Motherhood (household responsibilities), meso– and macro–environments (socio-economic and cultural factors) did not only affect business development but also inhibited women entrepreneurs’ access and utilisation of money, management and markets, and shaped their business development actions. Theoretical and practical implications for entrepreneurship research and policy development initiatives in the developing world are offered