Factors Influencing Financial Access for Nepalese Women Entrepreneurs

Dipendra Karki, Lecturer; Prakash Shrestha, Associate Professor; Ashmita Dahal Chhetri, Lecturer; Mamata Karki, Research Scholar; Puja Tamang, M. Phil. Scholar; Sheldon T. Dunn, Jr. Lecturer; Prajjwol Bikram Khadka, Faculty Member

doi:10.21844/smsjei.v11i01.30001

Dipendra Karki, Lecturer Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Prakash Shrestha, Associate Professor Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Ashmita Dahal Chhetri, Lecturer Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Mamata Karki, Research Scholar Pokhara University, Nepal
Puja Tamang, M. Phil. Scholar Kathmandu University School of Management
Sheldon T. Dunn, Jr. Lecturer University of Hawaii, Manoa, USA
Prajjwol Bikram Khadka, Faculty Member Kathmandu Don Bosco College, Nepal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21844/smsjei.v11i01.30001

Keywords: Access to finance, Financial Inclusion, Economic empowerment, Challenges, Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

This study explores the factors influencing access to financial resources for women entrepreneurs in
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, highlighting the crucial role of financial education. Using a sample of 534
women entrepreneurs, the study employs descriptive and quantitative methods to examine the impact of
entrepreneurial characteristics, firm characteristics, financial attributes, and policy frameworks on financial
accessibility. The findings indicate that financial attributes and policy frameworks significantly influence
access to finance, while entrepreneurial and firm characteristics have a lesser influence. This suggests that
enhancing financial education and creating supportive policies improves financial access for women
entrepreneurs. The results align with global research, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to
empower women in entrepreneurship. This research contributes to understanding the challenges women
entrepreneurs face in accessing finance, emphasizing the importance of financial education and policy
support. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and financial institutions to foster an
inclusive entrepreneurial environment, supporting economic growth and gender equality in Nepal.