Insights on Impact of Business Development Services on Growth of Women Owned Enterprises in Tanzania

Abstract

This paper presents findings of the study that aimed at assessing the impact of business service providers (BDS) on growth of women owned MSMEs in Tanzania. Based on interviews conducted to five BDS providers and women owned micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) it was revealed that most women entrepreneurs were not aware of the existence of BDS providers and their services. For those who had used BDS, they were generally satisfied with their benefits and they continue using the services. Furthermore, the findings show that BDS assisted entrepreneurs in formalizing their businesses, increased business management and technology capacity, market coverage and contributed to business growth.Findings calls for the government, BDS providers and other key stakeholders to raise the level of awareness to women entrepreneurs on the availability and importance of using of BDSs. Government and donor community should advocate for business environment reforms that lowers the barriers to BDS providers for them to operate effectively and provide affordable services. BDS providers should focus on demand driven services in a more holistic and participatory way than they are currently doing in order to improve the quality, sustainability and development of the women owned MSMEs.