The role of gender in US microenterprise business plan development
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004
Article publication date: 22 May 2007
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes to examine the role that gender plays in a microenterprise program (MEP) that focused on developing quality business plans.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected over four years from 1,013 participants in a microenterprise business development program. Empirical evidence is presented on the outcomes of the program.
Findings
Women and men had similar program completion rates and similar overall business plan scores. However, women scored significantly better on the presentation of their plan to judges. The level of formal education a participant had upon entering the program mattered, but only for women.
Research limitations/implications
Further research could determine whether the type of formal education made a difference in producing higher scoring plans (liberal arts, business, etc.) or is it the process of formal learning that matters? Startups and existing firms, segmentation of firm type (retail, service, etc.) should be researched in conjunction with gender.
Practical implications
MEPs that emphasize helping women should pay particular attention to the level of formal education a participant has upon entering the program. Women were also found to do a better job of explaining their business plan to outsiders, which should enhance their growth potential.
Originality/value
This article systematically examines differences that gender makes in completing a business plan development program.
Keywords
Citation
Cook, R.G., Belliveau, P. and Lentz, C. (2007), "The role of gender in US microenterprise business plan development", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 241-251. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626000710746673
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited