Enabling Women Entrepreneurs in a Rural Context through Mentoring

Abstract

The number of women-owned enterprises has grown substantially in recent decades, yet women still lag behind men in the creation of new enterprises. Mentoring is a form of support that is often suggested as relevant to women entrepreneurs. It is flexible and bespoke to the mentee, and also provides a role model. However, its role for women entrepreneurs in a developed rural economy has not been specifically addressed. The exact components of a successful mentoring relationship have not been determined, nor how this links to business success on the part of female entrepreneurs. A qualitative study of women entrepreneurs was undertaken in the UK, in Devon. A sample of mentors was also interviewed in order to gain a more complete view of the mentoring relationship. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Most expressed the view that mentoring was “vital”. The most significant form of mentoring was found to be peer mentoring, from women’s business networks and from professional associations and online networks. This form of mentoring has been neglected in the literature. Bearing in mind the small sample size, the findings indicate a more targeted approach to mentoring programmes should be taken. Peer mentoring has not been explored in depth.