What is it about?
This research explores the experiences of female entrepreneurs in Ireland - specifically women who received government support through Enterprise Ireland to start or grow their businesses. The researchers surveyed 25 women entrepreneurs to understand: Why they started their businesses - The study found a significant shift from traditional motivations (like seeking work-life balance) to opportunity-driven reasons (like spotting market gaps or innovative ideas). About 55% were motivated by opportunity rather than necessity. What challenges they face - Key obstacles include difficulty securing funding, balancing childcare with business demands, lack of early-stage income, evening networking events that conflict with family responsibilities, and gender bias particularly in tech sectors. How effective government support is - While women appreciated Enterprise Ireland's financial support and programs like mentorship, they identified gaps including need for better investment training, more investor connections, and childcare support.
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Why is it important?
This research matters for several reasons: Economic Impact: Women represent an underutilised economic resource. In Ireland, women's entrepreneurship rates (11%) still lag behind men's (13.7%), despite recent improvements. Supporting female entrepreneurs better could significantly boost economic growth. Systemic Change: The study reveals that current support systems were designed with male entrepreneurs in mind. Understanding women's specific needs helps create more inclusive policies - like scheduling networking events at family-friendly times or integrating childcare support into business programs. Global Relevance: While focused on Ireland, the findings mirror challenges faced by women entrepreneurs worldwide. The recommendations (like creating women-only accelerator programs or national mentoring networks) could be adapted globally. Breaking Stereotypes: The shift toward opportunity-driven entrepreneurship challenges outdated assumptions that women mainly start businesses for lifestyle reasons or out of necessity.
Perspectives
From a policy perspective, this research provides concrete evidence for why generic "one-size-fits-all" business support doesn't work. It makes a case for gender-specific interventions without treating women as deficient - rather recognising that the system itself needs adjustment. From a feminist perspective, the paper critiques how entrepreneurship has been traditionally defined through a male lens. It calls for incorporating feminist viewpoints into policy development, moving beyond just helping women succeed in existing structures to questioning those structures themselves. Personal perspective: What strikes me most is the practical nature of many barriers - childcare during business events, evening networking that assumes someone else handles family responsibilities, the expectation to seek awards rather than focus on growth. These aren't about women's capabilities but about systems designed without considering their full lives.
Dr Marie Ryan
University College Cork National University of Ireland
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Exploring female entrepreneurship experience of Ireland’s business ecosystem: implications for business support, Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, October 2024, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/jepp-03-2024-0036.
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