- Anurima Roy

Entrepreneur Entrepreneur is derived from the French verb entreprendre means to undertake. The old oxford dictionary of 1897 defined the term as the director or manager of public musical institution. It was later modified in 1933 and defined as one who undertakes an enterprise. Peter Drucker defined the term as one who always searches for change, responds to it and exploits it as an opportunity.

Entrepreneurial motivation An experiment was conducted at Kakinada by David Mc Clelland. The objective of the program was to break the barrier of limited aspirations by inducing achievement motivation. 52 persons participated in this program. Those who were exposed to the program displayed a more active business behaviour (51% as against 25% in the control room).

Objectives

To understand the motivations behind setting up a business enterprise To understand the problems of women entrepreneurs, especially in Varanasi district.

Research methodology

Study was conducted at Varanasi Sample consisted of 150 respondents Data collection was done from Oct 2008 to Mar 2010 The list of women entrepreneurs was procured through Women Entrepreneur Wing of District Industry Csentre, Varanasi. Interview was used as main tool for getting information

STATEMENTS Profit/money making Did not want to work for others Want freedom and control To make my own decision Social status Self achievement Confidence in the services/products offered Growth Because I have nothing to do Most convenient, it does not affect my life By accident, or by circumstances beyond control To keep busy as plenty of money available Because I didnt have educational qualification To provide employment to others

NUMBER 24 23 15 12 15 9 6 11 2 8 2 4 5 14

PERCENTAGE 16 15.33 10 8 10 6 4 7.33 1.33 5.33 1.33 2.66 3.33 9.36

TOTAL

150

100

Profit and money making was one of the main reasons for starting an enterprise along with self- employment.10% want freedom and control over their enterprise

STRUCTURE Nuclear Joint Total

NUMBER 112 38 150

PERCENTAGE 74.67 25.33 100

Nearly 75% of respondents families are nuclear whereas 25% are from joint families.

S.NO.

CONSTRAINTS FACED

NO. OF RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Raw materials Power and fuel Financial problems Labor Lack of awareness and guidance Marketing problems Competition Male domination Training in entrepreneurial & management skills Lack of mobility Family & social constraints Inadequate govt. supports

145 99 145 128 113 117 40 69 89 103 134 123

96.6 66 96.6 85.33 75.33 78 26.66 46 59.33 68.66 89.33 82

Major problems encountered by women entrepreneurs are getting raw materials, financial problems, getting support from family and social constraints.