Supporting and training female necessity entrepreneurs

This chapter contributes to the field of entrepreneurship by shedding light on the challenges female necessity entrepreneurs face and the nature of their relationship with their business counselors. It provides policy makers with clear guidance on how to best provide support and training to the female necessity entrepreneur, in light of the challenges they face throughout their entrepreneurial process, using customized support skills and programs unique to this very special type of entrepreneur. The chapter draws on large research project that addressed necessity entrepreneurship among unemployed individuals in France. The project collected narratives of 15 necessity entrepreneurs and 10 business consultants. Supporting female necessity entrepreneurs requires special skills. Thus, active listening, empathy, psychological support, hermeneutic techniques and psychotherapy can solve the complexity of phenomenon. The importance of the network concept in entrepreneurial environment is central. Some consultants were aware of the isolation of female necessity entrepreneurs and felt sympathy because the entrepreneurs experienced chaotic pathways on personal and professional levels.