Problems faced by women entrepreneurs: A research on small business owners

The aim of this thesis is to investigate underlying reasons for establishing small scale businesses by female entrepreneurs and the problems they face in Antalya region. The study consists of two stages. In the first stage, doctorate theses have been analysed focusing on female entrepreneurs in Turkey, and problems faced by them. Data have been collected from those theses highlighting problems encountered by female entrepreneurs and reasons for starting small scale businesses. In the second stage, a questionnaire has been prepared relying on data extracted from the previous research. The subjects of the questionnaire were50 micro management owners in Antalya. The research outcome was in conformance with previous findings. The main reasons for starting a business are foreseen to be economical independence, fulfilling their dreams, gaining social status and to meet family needs. Business and management related problems stand outin the establishment and the maintaining steps. These problems are followed by uncertainties and conditions about the general business environment. In addition, family problems negatively affect the work-family balance of female entrepreneurs. Unlike previous research, it is found that entrepreneurs who participated in the research did not experience any problems of social prejudices and obstacles. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Female entrepreneurs, Reasons for Startup, Problems of Women Entrepreneurs, Antalya