Scaling up women-led businesses: A critical analysis of crowdfunding and alternative financing models

Title

Scaling up women-led businesses: A critical analysis of crowdfunding and alternative financing models

Creator

Balaji, K.

Description

Women-led businesses have gained significant traction globally, yet many still face barriers to accessing traditional forms of financing. Crowdfunding and alternative financing models present new opportunities for these entrepreneurs to scale up and grow their ventures. This study critically examines how these models impact the growth, profitability, and long-term sustainability of women-led businesses. It identifies both the advantages and limitations of using crowdfunding and alternative financing mechanisms, such as peer-to-peer lending and microfinance, in fostering entrepreneurial success. The research further explores the challenges women entrepreneurs encounter in adopting these models, including the gender bias present in many crowdfunding platforms. This paper presents actionable solutions for improving the effectiveness of alternative financing in supporting women-led businesses. The study's findings contribute to both academic research and practical business strategies, offering a roadmap for empowering women entrepreneurs in the evolving financial landscape. 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.

Source

Crowdfunding and Alternative Financing Models for Women Entrepreneurs;pp.65-100

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

IGI Global

Coverage

Balaji K., Christ University, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISBN: 979-836939195-2; 979-836939193-8;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Book chapter

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-9193-8.ch003

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105008744427?origin=resultslist