Edward Elgar Publishing High-growth Women’s Entrepreneurship: Programs, Policies and Practices

Women's entrepreneurship is vital for economic and social development, yet female entrepreneurs worldwide are consistently found to have weaker sales and employment growth, fewer jobs, and lower profitability. This book was written to address this reality and focuses on the high-growth potential of women entrepreneurs. The scholars in this book conducted qualitative as well as quantitative research in contexts around the world, including Eswatini (Swaziland), Australia, China, Slovenia, Peru, and one global study of 43 countries. Chapters are organized according to three key themes: the practice of building networks, programs and the support environment, and policies and regulations. Topics addressed within these themes include the interconnected and mutually reinforcing features of a fruitful entrepreneurial culture, including financial and human capital advancement and readiness, new opportunities for expansion and an assortment of institutional and infrastructural provisions for innovation and business growth. High-growth Women's Entrepreneurship will appeal to public and private sector managers, policy makers and politicians who want to promote a culture and ecosystem that supports women's growth-oriented business potential. Educators and program designers who want to help women grow their businesses, and scholars who want to explore further research will find the information invaluable. Contributors include: N. Birdthistle, C.J. Boudreaux, Z. Brixiová, C.G. Brush, A. Bullough, D. Cetindamar, M. Córdova, L.F. Edelman, R. Eversole, B. Freser, V. Godinho, D. Hechavarría, F. Huamán, E. James, T. Kangoye, T. Lammers, Y. Li, S. Muhammad, B. Nikolaev, A. Pearce, K. Sirec, E. Sullivan, P. Tominc, M. Walo, J. Wu Review 'Despite the surge of interest in women's entrepreneurship around the globe, very little attention and support is currently directed towards high-potential women's entrepreneurship. These talented entrepreneurs face many of the constraints that women micropreneurs and small business owners struggle with, but they are running business that demand even greater access to the resources required for scale, in business circles and industries where women are severely underrepresented. This edited volume provides important research evidence to guide researchers, policymakers, program leaders and investors on how best to spend dollars in support of women starting and growing high potential ventures. A must-read! --Amanda B. Elam, Babson College, US 'This latest book from the Diana Project network frames a long delayed, much needed, and deliberatively provocative discussion about the relationship between growth-oriented women entrepreneurs and public policy and regulatory frameworks, building networks, and the entrepreneurship support environment. The primary question is whether they help or hurt. The editors and contributors represent all the continents (except Antarctica!) to bring a truly global and thoughtful consideration to what we know, and what we still need to learn.' --Patricia Greene, Professor Emeritus, Babson College, US 'High-growth Women's Entrepreneurship represents a valuable addition to the emerging body of research on women's entrepreneurship public policy. This book provides a global perspective on programs, policies and practices by incorporating chapters representing the experience of growth-oriented women entrepreneurs in both developed and developing economies. Each chapter provides valuable ''lessons learned'' that can be shared across geographic boundaries. These, in turn, form the basis for policy recommendations designed to foster innovation and growth among women entrepreneurs. This book is a true gem, and merits multiple reads to fully capture the insights offered by its editors and contributors.' --Susan Coleman, University of Hartford, US About the Author Edited by Amanda Bullough, Associate Professor, Management and Global Leadership; Co-Founder and Research