Understanding the barriers and catalysts for women entrepreneurship in the SME sector: a comparative study across the N-11 and G-7 countries

Background Women’s entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and social innovation; however, participation remains uneven across regions globally, especially in developing countries. Objective This study systematically and comprehensively examines the barriers to and catalysts for women’s entrepreneurship in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. Methods A total of 107 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed using PRISMA guidelines to identify barriers and enabling factors influencing women’s entrepreneurship. Results The findings indicate that women in developing countries exhibit the lowest rates of total entrepreneurial activity in SMEs. Promoting and supporting women’s participation in such activities can drive economic progress and foster political, economic, and social innovation. However, sociocultural factors in developing countries hinder their active participation in economic upliftment activities. Limited access to financial capital represents a significant barrier to establishing and expanding women’s entrepreneurial ventures. Conclusion To address these impediments, policymakers must consider the institutional contexts faced by women in entrepreneurship. Implementing gender-neutral entrepreneurship education can help reshape societal attitudes and create more inclusive opportunities for women’s entrepreneurship.