Abstract
Women entrepreneurship has grown over the past decades. Despite the challenges faced by the women entrepreneurs that also impede their success in entrepreneurship, many still succeed and are contributing to both economic and social development. Several studies conducted on women entrepreneurship in Nigeria were focused on the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and the environmental factors that affect their success, but few studies focused on identifying what the success factors might be. This study explored the experiences of successful Nigerian women entrepreneurs and found the factors that, they perceived, contributed to the success of their entrepreneurial ventures. In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of eight women entrepreneurs for this study. The findings of the study revealed that a husband/partner’s support, plus passion and commitment to the growth of the enterprise are the predominant factors that contribute to the success of women entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Passion was found as a motivational driver and also the fuel that drives entrepreneurial growth. On the other hand, lack of funds was found as a predominant challenge that has hindered Nigerian women entrepreneurs from carrying on with the vision of the enterprise and implementation of their future plans.
M.Phil. (Leadership in Emerging Economies)