Author(s): Seema and Anita Atwal

Abstract:
This study tries to find out the main problems that stop women from becoming successful entrepreneurs in small-scale industries. The constraints were analyzed under three broad categories: self-sphere, resource system, and support system. Self-sphere constraints included general barriers and educational-cum-training issues. The most prevalent general constraint was the excessive burden of household responsibilities, social restrictions also create obstacles. Resource system constraints were largely financial, with respondents facing major issues such as inadequate loan amounts and difficulty in justifying financial claims. Support system constraints encompassed institutional barriers, with most women citing lengthy and complex credit procedures as significant hindrance. Findings suggest that to support women entrepreneurs in the cottage industry, the government should ensure easier access to institutional finance and conduct regular training programs focused on modern production and marketing techniques. The aim of this study is to understand these issues so that better support, training, and encouragement can be given to help women grow their businesses.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/23957476.2025.v11.i2h.1911