CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACED BY WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN MSMES: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY WITH REFERENCE TO COIMBATORE CITY

Women entrepreneurship plays a significant role in the economic and social development of a country. The MSME sector offers wide opportunities for women to start and manage their own enterprises, which helps them achieve financial independence and improve their standard of living. This study focused on identifying the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs in MSMEs in Coimbatore City. The results of the study show that women entrepreneurs have different levels of satisfaction in their business activities. However, the statistical analysis reveals that there is no significant relationship between demographic factors such as age, qualification, and type of enterprise and the level of satisfaction. This indicates that women entrepreneurs, regardless of their background or type of enterprise, experience almost similar levels of satisfaction in running their businesses. Although women entrepreneurs face several challenges such as financial limitations, lack of technical skills, and difficulties in balancing family and business responsibilities, they continue to play an active role in the development of the MSME sector. With adequate financial support, effective training programs, government initiatives, and improved market opportunities, women entrepreneurs can enhance the growth and sustainability of their enterprises. Hence, promoting and supporting women entrepreneurship is essential for strengthening economic development and empowering women in society.

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