When it comes to obtaining credit from financial institutions, the perception is quite dismal from Zimbabwe women entrepreneurs a recent survey shows.

Yet, according to the study “An Analysis of the Enabling Environment and Potential for Women’s Empowerment” by Dr. Charity Manyeruke on behalf of the Women Alliance of Business Associations in Zimbabwe (Wabaz), a significant segment of female entrepreneurs have not attempted to obtain funding from financial institutions.

The negative perception might be getting in the way of at least attempting to make things happen.  Even so, it’s still challenging to get funding.

•  Based on the study, 34 percent of the female entrepreneurs who undertook the survey consider obtaining credit from commercial banks as “very difficult.”

Learn more here.  Related article here.

Illustration credit:  Dr. Manyeruke’s book

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney

Watch video here:  big think interview

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney

Women hold 80 % the purchasing power for consumer goods in the U.S., a sector accounting for a critical 70% of the U.S. economy. So we already know that women are essential to the revival of the U.S. economy.

Women are also a rising powerhouse in building the economy as founders of high growth companies.  Find out why by reading the entire article:

Women:  The Emerging Market in High Growth Businesses

Illustration credit here.

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney

© Laurel J. Delaney, 2011

Wishing you a Happy Holiday season
and a New Year filled with hope and promise.

How to empower women?  Declare 2013 as “Women Entrepreneurship Development Year.”  And in the case of Nepal, ease the environment to bring more women into entrepreneurship.

Minister for Industry Anil Jha said he is positive about the proposal. He said, “I am also positive about necessary amendments in policies that would ease the environment for women entrepreneurs.” Suresh Kumar Basnet, president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) requested the government to seriously implement policies to bring more women into entrepreneurship.

Learn more here.

Illustration credit:  Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs Associations of Nepal (FWEAN)