You are currently viewing Rural Women Entrepreneurs Found to Boost Local Economic Growth

Rural Women Entrepreneurs Found to Boost Local Economic Growth

Prime Highlights

  • A West Virginia University study linked female entrepreneurship in rural areas with broader job growth and stronger local economies.
  • Researchers identified childcare, financial access, education and community support as key factors that influence business success for rural women.

Key Facts

  • West Virginia University led the study with support from researchers at the University of Maine.
  • The research analysed data from 1,618 rural counties across the United States over an eight-year period from 2011 to 2019.

Background

Despite constituting a minor percentage of self-employed people in rural areas in the United States, women business owners in rural America have been found to contribute significantly to local economic growth, according to the findings of a recent study. Research conducted at West Virginia University suggests that there is a positive relationship between rates of female entrepreneurship and job creation in rural regions.

This research considered 1,618 rural counties in the US from 2011 to 2019. The researchers wanted to analyze the factors affecting the decision of women entrepreneurs to create a company. Some of the obstacles preventing women from entrepreneurship in rural America were presented. The most significant problems include a lack of child care, a lack of access to financial institutions, poor education systems, and community support.

Another important finding related to child care showed that, unlike in cities, where it is known to lead to greater workforce participation, childcare is capable of doing quite the opposite in remote rural locations. Good childcare makes it possible for women to spend more time working on building up their businesses rather than looking for work.

Moreover, it has been noted that there is comparatively low interest among scholars on the issue of entrepreneurship among rural women since most of their studies have mainly concentrated on urban areas and entrepreneurs from the male gender.

When it comes to fostering entrepreneurship in the above-mentioned geographical zones, according to the research, community leaders can contribute a lot through providing better access to childcare, money, and education.

The findings of the research will greatly contribute towards enhancing ongoing efforts to empower women entrepreneurs.