Identifying the Obstacles Hindering the Growth of Women-Led Small-Scale Enterprises in Chennai

Women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in economic growth and social development, particularly in
the small-scale business sector. In India, the participation of women in entrepreneurship has increased
due to rising literacy, technological exposure, and government initiatives. However, several challenges
continue to impede the growth of women-led small-scale enterprises, especially in urban regions like
Chennai.
This study seeks to identify the key obstacles hindering the growth of women entrepreneurs engaged in
small-scale businesses in Chennai City. The research examines major barriers such as financial
constraints, limited access to credit, socio-cultural barriers, lack of marketing skills, and inadequate
institutional support. Data were collected from 200 women entrepreneurs using a structured
questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation, and
regression.
The findings reveal that financial difficulties, lack of family support, and inadequate training
opportunities are the most significant challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. The study concludes
that fostering access to finance, entrepreneurial education, and policy-driven institutional support can
significantly enhance the sustainability and growth of women-led enterprises in Chennai.