Beyond Ambition: What Does It Take for Women Entrepreneurs to Thrive?

Research co-authored by University of Cyberjaya academic Dr Mochammad Fahlevi examines 51 studies to explore the barriers and opportunities shaping women's entrepreneurship in emerging economies.

Research Impact | Faculty of Business and Technology

Behind every successful business is more than a promising idea. Access to financing, professional networks, resources and a supportive business environment can all influence an entrepreneur's ability to turn ambition into sustainable growth.

For women entrepreneurs in emerging economies, these conditions can be particularly significant.

A research paper co-authored by Dr Mochammad Fahlevi of the University of Cyberjaya's Faculty of Business and Technology explores the factors that support women's entrepreneurship, alongside the challenges that can affect business development.

Titled Women Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development: A Systematic Review of Enablers and Barriers in Emerging Economies, the paper brings together findings from 51 academic studies to examine how financial, social and institutional conditions influence entrepreneurial opportunities.

Published online on 4 August 2025 in the Journal of the International Council for Small Business, the research contributes to a growing body of knowledge on entrepreneurship, inclusive economic participation and sustainable development.

Understanding the Challenges Beyond Business

Entrepreneurial success is often associated with determination, innovation and the willingness to take risks. While these qualities are important, the conditions in which businesses operate can be equally influential.

Through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis, Dr Fahlevi and his fellow researchers examined existing evidence on the barriers and enabling factors affecting women entrepreneurs in emerging economies.

The review draws attention to several interconnected challenges, including:

• Access to financing and business resources: Difficulties obtaining capital and other resources can affect opportunities to establish, sustain or expand a business.
• Societal expectations and gender-related biases: Social norms and expectations can influence entrepreneurial opportunities and participation.
• Competing family and business responsibilities: Unequal caregiving expectations and time constraints can shape how entrepreneurs manage and develop their businesses.
• Institutional barriers and professional networks: Access to business support systems, mentorship, industry connections and enabling policies can influence entrepreneurial development.

These challenges do not define the capabilities or ambitions of women entrepreneurs. Rather, they highlight the importance of understanding the wider environments in which entrepreneurial decisions are made.

The findings suggest that meaningful progress requires attention not only to individual entrepreneurial skills, but also to the financial, social and institutional conditions that shape business opportunities.

Creating Opportunities for Sustainable Growth

Beyond identifying barriers, the research examines factors that can support the development of women-led businesses.

Improving access to financing, strengthening entrepreneurship education, expanding mentorship opportunities and developing supportive institutional environments are among the approaches highlighted in the review.

These factors can help create conditions in which entrepreneurs are better positioned to pursue opportunities, develop their businesses and contribute to their communities.

Importantly, the research connects women's entrepreneurship with the broader goal of sustainable development.

By examining how entrepreneurial opportunities intersect with economic participation and social conditions, the study offers insights relevant to policymakers, educators, financial institutions and organisations involved in entrepreneurship development.

Its findings reinforce the importance of building business environments in which opportunities are accessible and entrepreneurial potential can be realised.

Why This Research Matters

Women's entrepreneurship is an important area of research because of its relationship with economic participation, employment, innovation and community development.

The World Bank has similarly highlighted the financing and institutional barriers affecting women-owned businesses, while the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has identified the interconnected challenges that can influence women's participation in entrepreneurship.

Against this wider backdrop, the study co-authored by Dr Fahlevi provides a synthesis of existing research and a framework for considering how entrepreneurship can contribute to sustainable development.

Rather than viewing business success solely through the lens of individual ambition, the findings encourage a broader discussion about access, opportunity and the conditions that enable businesses to grow.

For policymakers and industry stakeholders, this perspective can inform efforts to develop more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems.

For researchers and educators, it provides a foundation for further exploration of how financial, social and institutional factors interact across different emerging economies.

Advancing Research with Real-World Relevance

At the University of Cyberjaya, research plays an important role in advancing knowledge and contributing to discussions on challenges affecting communities, industries and society.

Dr Mochammad Fahlevi's contribution to this international research collaboration reflects the University's engagement with issues extending beyond the classroom.

By bringing together evidence from 51 academic studies, the research offers a broader understanding of the opportunities and challenges influencing women's entrepreneurship, while identifying areas that warrant continued attention from researchers and decision-makers.

Ultimately, the study highlights an important principle: ambition matters, but so do the opportunities, resources and environments that allow entrepreneurial potential to flourish.

Through research that informs understanding and encourages meaningful discussion, UOC continues to contribute to conversations about a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Big Minds. Real-World Impact.