Women's entrepreneurship ecosystem in the global south: Challenges and opportunities from the perspective of Brazilian entrepreneurs

This exploratory study results from research coordinated by the Brazilian Service of Support to Micro and Small Enterprises of the Federal District - SEBRAE/DF aimed to identify the scenario of female entrepreneurship in the Federal District and verify the main challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs perceive. The approach adopted in this research combined qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative approach allowed an in-depth investigation of the theme of female entrepreneurship through focus groups. At the same time, the quantitative research enabled a macro understanding of the profile of entrepreneurs in the Federal District and the identification of trends and frequencies of variables related to the phenomenon. The results suggested a demographic profile of the entrepreneur of Brasília in the dimensions of education, marital status, average monthly income, and age range. We also identified the time of entrepreneurial activity, motivation to undertake, and incentives for entrepreneurship. In the context of the interviewees, entrepreneurship, for the most part, appears as an opportunity in the face of the desire to have independence and autonomy, the will to undertake, and to meet some punctual need for income generation. The main challenges perceived by the entrepreneur from the Federal District are the difficulty reconciling the demands of personal and professional life, the lack of knowledge and preparation for business management, issues focused on public safety in commercial areas, and the support of family members.