Factors Influencing Women Entrepreneurship in Rural Area, an Exploratory Study in Nusa Tenggara Timur Province of Indonesia

: Women Entrepreneurs in Indonesia has been a significant contributor to the growth micro and small entreprises across Indonesia including in rural areas in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) province. Women entrepreneurs in the rural area in NTT province exist in micro and small businesses in the subsistence agrarian economic activities as well as other trade and service sector. Little has been known about the women entrepreneurship in a rural area. The purpose of this study is to explore the enabling factors of women entrepreneurship in a rural area in starting and improving their business. This study employs a qualitative approach and uses entrepreneurship ecosystem as a tool for analysing the empirical phenomena. The data collected through a depth interview of thirty two women entrepreneurs in three districts. The results showed three main elements in the entrepreneurship ecosystem as the enabling factors for women entrepreneurs in a rural area in starting and improving their businesses. First, the business environment which covers access to market, access to capital, provision of business assistance, infrastructure and facilities, and effective regulation including the role of non-formal institutions such as religious institution. The second, interacting actors around women entrepreneurs covering financial institutions, formal and non-formal business service providers and media. Third, the entrepreneurial culture and attitude which cover education background, and personal behaviour. The interaction of these factors is crucial in creating a favourable condition for women to step out in pursuing their entrepreneurial activities. in particular related to agriculture, provision of seeds.  Business development service providers' services