Problems encountered by women entrepreneurs of SSI units in Kerala with special reference to Thrissur district

Abstract: The present study has been conducted to identify the main problems faced by women entrepreneurs in Kerala and the opportunities available to them. The socio economic background of women entrepreneurs was also analysed. Age, Marital status, educational qualification, Annual income, business type, size of business, source of financing and spending of business income were the variables for understanding the socio economic background of the women entrepreneurs. The main problems faced by them include lack of strong leadership, financial deficit, misuse of money, lack of education,non awareness of government scheme,non repayment of loan, lack of proper training ,lack of planning and working, health problems and other problems. The financial institutions and government should take steps to facilitate easy availability of credit to give encouragement to women entrepreneurs.. The institutional assistances available to them was also studied. The various institutions for promoting women entrepreneurs include Kerala State Women Development corporation, Small Industries Development bank of India, National Small Industrial corporation, khadi and village industries commission etc. Percentage analysis and weighted ranking method was used for analyzing the data.

Keywords: Women Entrepreneurs-SSI-Institutional assistance