The entrepreneurial journey is full of challenges in itself.

But women entrepreneurs not just have to

face the problems of entrepreneurship but also of being a women entrepreneur. In the recent 5-10
years, the country has witnessed an impressive increase in women participation across many
frontiers like an increased number of women in sports, army, politics, etc. Women in India have not
only stepped into the corporate world but have also begun to make a mark in entrepreneurship.

These following points are the main concern which constraint women
entrepreneur from moving forward:-
Traditional mindset:-

While a lot of women are breaking the shackles and moving out of their homes to work, setting up a
business is still perceived to be a man’s domain. In the male-dominated society, women are not
treated equally to men, which serves as a barrier to women’s entry into the business.

Networking

If you want to run a successful business, it’s essential for you to socialize within the entrepreneurial
network so that you can build contacts and win customers. However, very few women can step out
of their comfort zone. If they do socialize, it is restricted to their work, and they are not able to build
relationships. This has a significant impact on the extent of visibility they have in the market and on
the perception they make.

Finance Problems

Finance is regarded as the ‘life-line’ for any business – be it big or small. However, women
entrepreneurs suffer from a shortage of finance, mainly due to two significant reasons. Firstly,
women generally do not have a property in their names, which they can pledge as collateral to
obtain funds from external sources. Secondly, the banks also consider women less creditworthy and
discourage women borrowers on the belief that they can leave their business at any time.

Family Ties

In India, looking after children and other members of the family is considered the sole responsibility
of a married woman. Men play a secondary role in such circumstances. A married woman has to
strike a delicate balance between her business and family. Due to her total involvement in family,
she is left with no energy and time to devote to the business. Hence, it’s essential to understand that
men are also quite capable of handling family responsibilities, and they should share such duties to
resolve this obstacle.

Lack of Education

In India, around 30% of women are still illiterate. Due to a lack of qualitative education, women lack
business, technology, and market knowledge. Also, the lack of training can lead to low achievement
and demotivation among women. Thus, education is vital to set up the business and run it
successfully.
Safety and Security

In today’s times, safety is probably the biggest hurdle for women in India. Due to the rise of social
crime, women hesitate to take on roles that demand long hours and interactions with a world of
strangers. However, a smiling face and a calm mind can quickly turn strangers into friends.

However, despite these obstacles that most women face in India, many have built successful
businesses. Communicating with the family and thinking the business idea out with a long term
sustainable plan can act as the key to success. So, it is crucial not to get discouraged by the number
of challenges on the path but continue to take one step at a time and keep moving forward.

These are the steps taken up by govt. to help women entrepreneur:-

1.Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development (TREAD) scheme for women:

This scheme provides women with proper trade related training, information and counselling along
with extension activities related to trades, products, services etc. Along with that, Government Grant
also provides up to 30% of the total project cost as appraised by lending institutions which would
finance the remaining 70% as loan Assistance to applicant women. It mostly helps poor & usually
illiterate/semi-literate women to get started on their business.

2. Mahila Vikas Nidhi

This fund has been set up by SIDBI to help women in rural area start their entrepreneurship easily.
It grants loan to women are given to start their venture in the field like spinning, weaving, knitting,
embroidery products, block printing, handlooms handicrafts, bamboo products etc.

3. Co-operative Schemes

Women co-operatives schemes were formed to help women in agro-based industries like dairy
farming, poultry, animal husbandry, horticulture etc. with full financial support from the
Government.

4. Government Yojanas

Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana and Swaran Jayanti Sekhari Rozgar Yojana were two
important schemes launched by the government to provide reservations for women and
encouraging them to start their ventures.

5. Private Organisations

Several NGOs, voluntary organizations, Self-help groups, institutions and individual enterprises from
rural and urban areas are working to help new women entrepreneurs to set up their business and
run it smoothly.