Availability Of Capital and Business Growth of Women Entrepreneurs in Selected Small and Medium Industries In Wana

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to establish the extent to which capital availability affects business growth of women entrepreneurs in selected SMIs in Rwanda. Specifically, the study wanted to establish the effect of (i) level of capital availability and (ii) level of business growth, on women entrepreneurs, (iii) the significant difference in the level of capital availability and business growth, (iv) and the relationship between capital availability and business growth of women entrepreneurs in selected SMIs in Rwanda. The study was done by developing a conceptual framework relating to capital availability and business growth. The study employed a descriptive correlation design and data was collected from 134 respondents using structured interviews as the key data collection instruments. Data was analyzed at uni-variate level using frequencies counts and summary statistics and Pearson Linear Correlation Coefficient at bi-variate level. The study revealed that there was a moderate level of capital availability and there was also a moderate level of business growth of women entrepreneurs in selected SMI5 in Rwanda in terms of sales, profit, market share, product quality, customer satisfaction and earnings per share. There was no significant difference in the level of capital availability and business growth of women entrepreneurs in selected SMIs in Rwanda. But there was a significant relationship between capital availability and business growth of women entrepreneurs in selected SMIs in Rwanda. From the above findings, appropriate conclusions and recommendations including those for further research were made. Recommendations from the study were (i) government an financial institutions should draw and implement special lending policy of loan and liberal repayment schedules for women entrepreneurs and establish a guarantee funds for women entrepreneurs. (ii) Government and women associations should conduct a financial management training program using special training approach which can effectively reach the women at their work place such as radio program. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preliminaries

Declaration A

Declaration B ii

Approval Sheet iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgements v

Abstract vi

Table of Contents vii

List of Tables viii

List of Figures ix

List of Abbreviations and acronyms x

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction/Background Information 1

Statement of the Problem 2

Purpose of the Study 3

Research Objectives 4

Research Questions 4

Null Hypotheses 5

Scope 5

Significance of the Study 5

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 6

Two LITERATURE REVIEW

Concepts, Opinions, Ideas from Experts 7

Theoretical Perspectives 11

Related Studies 12

viii

Three METHODOLOGY

Research Design 16

Research Population 16

Sample Size 17

Sampllng Procedure 17

Research Instrument 17

Data Collection Methods 18

Vaildity and Rellabillty ofthe Instrument 18

Data Gathering Procedures 19

Data Analysis 20

Ethical Considerations 21

Limitations of the Study 21

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Research Question#1: Profile of Respondents 23

Research question#2: Description of the level of Capital

Availability 26

Research Question#3: Description of Business growth 27

Research Question#4: Difference in the Level of Capital

Availability and Business Growth 29

Research Question#5: Relationship between Capital

Availability and Business Growth 30

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Findings 33

Conclusions 33

Recommendations 34

References 36

Appendices

Appendix I - Transmittal Letter

Appendix II - Informed Consent iii

Appendix III - Research Instruments iv

Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae xiv