The Role of Self-Help Groups in Business Growth: An Empirical  Analysis among Women Entrepreneurs in Jammu & Kashmir

Shailendra Kumar Bharal; Irfan Shafi Baba

doi:10.21844/crr.v3i01.1138

Shailendra Kumar Bharal Professor & Head, School of studies in Commerce, Vikram University, Ujjain, M.P.,
Irfan Shafi Baba School of Studies in Commerce, Vikram University, Ujjain, M.P https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9172-0731

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21844/crr.v3i01.1138

Keywords: Keywords: Self-Help Groups, Women Entrepreneurs, Business Growth, Digital Literacy, Jammu & Kashmir, Post Pandemic Recovery

Abstract

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) on the business growth of women entrepreneurs in the
conflict-affected region of Central Kashmir (Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal). Amidst the distinct socio-political
instability and post-pandemic disruptions in Jammu & Kashmir, this research employs a convergent mixed-methods
design, analyzing survey data from 220 entrepreneurs and qualitative insights from 25 interviews. Findings reveal that
while SHGs provide essential social capital and moderate financial access, significant gaps persist in capacity-building
support, particularly in digital marketing and access to technical resources. Regression analysis confirms that capacity
building support is a stronger predictor of business growth (β = -0.43) than socio-financial support. The study identifies a
critical "importance-achievement gap" in technological adoption, where entrepreneurial needs far outstrip current SHG
provisions. These results suggest that to foster genuine resilience in this fragile, conflict-affected context, SHGs must
transition from microcredit-centric models to comprehensive, tech-enabled entrepreneurial ecosystems. The paper
concludes with actionable policy recommendations for integrating digital literacy and market linkages into SHG
frameworks.