Necessity or Opportunity? Understanding the Motivational Drivers of Women Entrepreneurs in Creating a New Venture

Abstract

Abstract - Women starting their own businesses has become a strong force for economic growth, new ideas, and social progress, especially in emerging markets like Indonesia. This qualitative study aims to understand the reasons why women start businesses in Bandung, West Java, with a focus on whether they do so out of necessity or opportunity. This study included semi-structured interviews with 15 female business owners from different fields, such culinary, fashion, accessories, and services. It found major themes like personal passion, financial freedom, familial influence, and recognizing opportunities. The findings show that many women entrepreneurs are motivated by a mix of necessity and opportunity, which are affected by social and cultural norms, access to resources, and their own goals. The study adds to the larger conversation about women's entrepreneurship by showing how entrepreneurial motivation changes over time in emerging markets. It also shows how institutional environment changes and support systems might better help women entrepreneurs at different points in their business journey.

Keywords - Women entrepreneurs, Necessity-driven entrepreneurship, Opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, Motivation, SMEs, Bandung, Indonesia