EMPOWERING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS THROUGH MSME SCHEMES: A STUDY OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN KOLLAM DISTRICT

Abstract

Women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in economic growth, social development, and innovation, particularly in emerging economies like India. The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is widely recognized as a catalyst for inclusive development and job creation. Recognizing the potential of women-led enterprises, various central and state government schemes have been implemented to encourage and support women entrepreneurship. In Kerala, known for its progressive social indicators, the Kollam district represents a unique mix of traditional industries and emerging enterprises. However, despite various MSME support mechanisms, women entrepreneurs in this region continue to face systemic, financial, and socio-cultural barriers. This study investigates the role of MSME schemes in empowering women entrepreneurs in the Kollam district. The research explores the extent of awareness, accessibility, and utilization of schemes such as MUDRA, PMEGP, Stand-Up India, and Mahila Coir Yojana among women entrepreneurs. A mixed-method approach was used, combining structured questionnaires administered to 50 women entrepreneurs with secondary data from government publications and academic studies. The findings reveal that while a majority of respondents are aware of at least one MSME scheme, only a small fraction has successfully availed of the benefits due to bureaucratic hurdles, lack of information, and insufficient digital literacy.The paper further highlights key challenges such as lack of collateral, balancing family responsibilities, poor market access, and limited skill development opportunities. Despite these challenges, success stories from the region illustrate the transformative potential of targeted support and mentorship. The study concludes that policy implementation must go beyond program creation and focus on awareness campaigns, simplification of processes, and localized capacity building. The findings are relevant for policymakers, NGOs, financial institutions, and stakeholders involved in promoting gender-inclusive entrepreneurship. Overall, this study advocates for a more integrated and grassroots-driven approach to enhance the role of women in Kollam’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.