Female Entrepreneurship: Basic Characteristics, Equality, Support

Abstract

The publication examines the main aspects of female entrepreneurship in Bulgaria. Key issues on the entrepreneurial profile of women starting and running their own business, as well as gender equality in this field are explored. The strengths and the need for specific support for women who create and develop entrepreneurial activities are discussed. In total, 178 women entrepreneurs with different education and age have been surveyed. Their companies also differ in size and activity. Bulgarian women entrepreneurs are mainly with higher education – economic or technical. About half of their companies have been established before 2008, operating mainly in services and trade. According to the results of the study, women believe that they have equal chances with men for success in starting and developing a business. The support they prefer mainly includes providing access to financial resources, promoting successful examples of women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship training. Their most powerful weapons in business include: communication, intuition, adaptability.