The Role of Self-help Groups (SHGs) in Business Growth of Indian Nascent Women Entrepreneurs

Abstract

The purpose of the current study is to understand the role of SHGs in business growth of nascent women entrepreneurs in the Indian context during the pandemic period. It is a primary study of 220 Indian SHG women entrepreneurs using structured questionnaire-based survey using 12 well defined variables extracted from the literature to explain the construct’s ‘role’ and ‘business growth in the context of Indian SHG women entrepreneurs. Quantitative research methodology has been adopted in the study, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and interpret the findings. Major findings of the study state that the pandemic had caused both hindrances as well as opportunities for businesses of Indian SHG women, in this context, the role of SHGs in supporting business growth of their women entrepreneurs has been insufficient as per the respondents, SHGs need to focus upon technology-driven roles and adopt training modules for enabling online marketing platforms along with financial access, help to diversify and revive the business with modified approach. Based on the results of the study, suggestions for SHGs and policymakers in the Indian context have been put forth in order to match with the changing dynamics of the market and consumers during the pandemic. The study has increased the understanding of the needs of SHG women entrepreneurs and appropriate policy measures required for their business growth in the Indian context.
 KEYWORDS: women entrepreneurs, SHGs, India, pandemic, business growth, SHGs role.