Women Owned Business as an Economic Force in Raigad District

Abstract

The present research paper focuses on number of situations that relates to women's decisions to become entrepreneurs, viz. dynastic compliance, no other choice, and entrepreneurship by chance, natural succession, forced entrepreneurship, informed entrepreneur and pure entrepreneur. Qualitative research involves 30 women entrepreneurs in Raigad District of Maharashtra State. The findings do not reinforce the assumption that a majority of women become entrepreneurs for reasons of necessity and identified antecedents to the generalized "push", "pull" and environmental motives. During the last two decades, Indian women have entered the field of entrepreneurship in increasing numbers. With the emergence and growth of their businesses, they have contributed to the Indian economy & society. These women entrepreneurs have entered many industries and sectors. Many of the earlier obstacles to their success have removed, yet some remain. Further, there has been much progress in the training and development of women entrepreneurs within public policy and academic programs. This paper examines issues like why do women undertake entrepreneurship? What factors influence the strategic growth of women-owned businesses? What are the characteristics of their businesses? What have been greatest obstacles and challenges for women entrepreneurs? What are the sources of finance? How the product identification done, how it is to be marketed, which social factors affecting on women entrepreneurship? Lastly, have some observations and conclusions.