REALIZING THE GAINS FROM CAPACITY BUILDING OF UNDERSERVED WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN FURTHER ESTABLISHING THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURES IN PUNJAB

Abstract

This qualitative study presents the perceived merits and obstacles of capacity-building programs for women entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities based on data collected through a brief survey during the training program from a pool of 150 participants. The study examines how such programs play a role in skill enhancement, business development, and the empowerment of marginalized women within their communities. Broad themes emerging from the data were increased financial literacy, improved self-esteem, networking opportunities, and external barriers such as limited access to capital and socio-cultural limitations. The results point to the transformative power of such tailored entrepreneurial training but also emphasize the need for tailored support systems that can further enhance the injection of long-term benefits. This study presents some lessons for policymakers, development organizations, and educators interested in creating more inclusive and effective capacity-building interventions for underserved women entrepreneurs.

Keywords: Women entrepreneurs, capacity building, underserved communities, qualitative study, empowerment, business training