Document Type
Poster Session
Department
Leadership and Organizational Studies
Faculty Mentor
Elizabeth Goryunova, Ph. D.
Keywords
women entrepreneurs, sustainable economic development, women’s leadership, rural Maine, and entrepreneurial ecosystems
Abstract
Rural women entrepreneurs have the power to positively impact the sustainability of their communities, yet they are faced with internal and external challenges in their pursuits to grow successful businesses and create sustainable livelihoods. While a number of scholars in the past 10 years investigated these challenges and suggested some solutions, more research is needed to identify additional solutions, including those specifically relevant to rural Maine communities. This qualitative study explored the support women entrepreneurs in rural Maine need from each other and their communities to thrive. Data gathered through semi-structured interviews with eleven women entrepreneurs from rural Maine revealed four overarching themes including: (1) personal fulfillment, (2) navigating entrepreneurship, (3) community connections, and (4) giving back. The analysis of the data provided by these women about their lived experiences revealed a shared phenomenon of intentionality. These findings contribute to the literature exploring the support needs of rural women entrepreneurs and can be utilized by community constituents to facilitate the development of these women as leaders in growing entrepreneurial ecosystems and advancing the economic sustainability of rural communities in Maine.
Included in
Identifying the Support Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Maine Need from Each Other and Their Communities to Thrive
Rural women entrepreneurs have the power to positively impact the sustainability of their communities, yet they are faced with internal and external challenges in their pursuits to grow successful businesses and create sustainable livelihoods. While a number of scholars in the past 10 years investigated these challenges and suggested some solutions, more research is needed to identify additional solutions, including those specifically relevant to rural Maine communities. This qualitative study explored the support women entrepreneurs in rural Maine need from each other and their communities to thrive. Data gathered through semi-structured interviews with eleven women entrepreneurs from rural Maine revealed four overarching themes including: (1) personal fulfillment, (2) navigating entrepreneurship, (3) community connections, and (4) giving back. The analysis of the data provided by these women about their lived experiences revealed a shared phenomenon of intentionality. These findings contribute to the literature exploring the support needs of rural women entrepreneurs and can be utilized by community constituents to facilitate the development of these women as leaders in growing entrepreneurial ecosystems and advancing the economic sustainability of rural communities in Maine.
