Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs Running Micro, Small and Medium Scale Fashion and Apparel Business: A Study on Fashion and Apparel Enterprises in CoastalKarnataka

Abstract

Globally, small firms are considered to have an important role in the economy serving as agents of change by their entrepreneurial activity. They are considered to be the sources of considerable innovative activity, stimulating industry evolution and creating an important share of the newly generated jobs. In India, micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) helps in industrialization of rural and backward areas, thereby, reducing regional imbalances, assuring more equitable distribution of national income and wealth. In this context, it is interesting to note that the garment production units alone in India provide 40% of jobs in the small scale sector, besides offering ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to sprout and flourish. With a high value associated with the MSMEs and the potential fashion and apparel sector, the study is focused to list the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. A primary test questionnaire was used to identify the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs for the study were classified into four categories of success based on the profit generated. The means were compared to find the most critical challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. The study helps in identifying the variables that are more challenging to the women entrepreneurs which need to be addressed for the sustainable development of the women entrepreneurs of the region. The findings could help the educational institutions to develop an educational strategy for training the women entrepreneurs.