An empirical study into the contribution of the female entrepreneur to small business start-ups in Ireland

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the contribution that the female entrepreneur makes to small business start-ups in Ireland. The investigation was limited to Ireland as the author felt that this was a sufficient geographic area for this particular research. Creating an environment where gender equality is practised by all is an important focus for the future of female entrepreneurship in Ireland and worldwide. Through the examination of various studies including previous literature, several features were identified such as barriers, challenges and opportunities of the female entrepreneur. Initially exploratory research was conducted through a review of the literature and through three in-depth interviews. From this the researcher gained a greater insight into the beliefs and thoughts of the average female entrepreneur. All interviewees were practising entrepreneurs. Following the exploratory research, questionnaires were utilised to greater grasp the beliefs of a wider range of female entrepreneurs. Questionnaires were sent to 40 people in total with 77.5% of participants responding to the questionnaire. Based on research conducted throughout this research, areas such as gender inequality, barriers to entry such as business closures due to recessionary times and the participation rates of the female entrepreneur were identified.