Exploring Performance Determinants for Women-Owned Small and Medium Enterprises in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Abstract

Women entrepreneurs are essential to the economy's growth of any nation. However, several aspects that influence how well women entrepreneurs perform vary from culture to culture. The goal of the current study is to identify and investigate the variables that significantly affect how well women entrepreneurs perform and succeed in SMEs. Data is gathered from 160 female entrepreneurs utilizing survey questionnaires, with an average response rate of 83%. SPSS21 software was used for data analysis. Results indicate that Startup capital, services sector, and access to loans are the main factors determining WOEs performance particularly the number of employees. Also, women mobility, networking, and access to loans determine WOE performance significantly with regard to change in annual sales turnover, and networking and startup capital determine WOEs performance by the amount of capital owned by the women owned SMEs. The current study will assist female entrepreneurs in obtaining understanding of the elements that could impact their performance. By reducing their financial and social barriers, the government may be able to boost the number of female entrepreneurs and encourage them to contribute to the economy's sustainable growth.