Access to Trade and Growth of Women’s SMEs in APEC Developing Economies

Research for this project aimed to highlight the complex array of factors affecting women in business through a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. A quantitative survey targeted SME owners in domestic and exporting firms, half of whom were women. Qualitative methods included focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and case studies.

1. Constraints to women in business

2. Reserach Overview

3. Management and operational capacity of women-owned SMEs

4. Government support for women entrepreneurs

5. Social environment and background of women entrepreneurs

6. Key challenges for women in export and lessons for regional integration

7. Conclusion

Appendices