The project aims to investigate how women entrepreneurs in rural areas manage challenges in accessing traditional financing, which is crucial for the growth of both their businesses and rural communities as a whole.
Women are often denied loans or offered less favorable terms, while local banks are absent in many smaller towns. The researchers therefore study how women entrepreneurs develop informal financing strategies and how these are influenced by local business structures and gender norms.
Together with entrepreneurs and local stakeholders, a methodological guide will be developed. The goal is to create more targeted support measures, increase financiers’ understanding, and strengthen women’s opportunities to run and grow businesses in rural areas.
“Women entrepreneurs play a vital role in creating jobs, innovation, and long-term prosperity in rural communities. Through this project, we aim to deepen our understanding of how women navigate financing challenges and identify ways to strengthen their opportunities to start, run, and grow businesses. We are excited to undertake this important work together with entrepreneurs and local stakeholders,” says Malin Malmström.
