The Impact of Gender and Disability on Opportunities for Dutch Women Entrepreneurs: a Study on Inclusive Entrepreneurship
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2025-06-26
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en
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This study examines the institutional barriers faced by physically disabled women entrepreneurs in the Netherlands, in order to gain insight into the entrenched societal biases and institutional constraints that shape their access to entrepreneurship. The goal is to identify barriers and find ways to improve the entrepreneurial climate. This was accomplished through in-depth interviews with Dutch disabled women entrepreneurs and inclusive leaders from support organisations. Results show skepticism from banks, societal biases and rigid benefit policies inhibit entrepreneurial growth, whereas bureaucratic inefficiencies further restrict access to essential financial tools and support. Despite these challenges, disabled women entrepreneurs demonstrate resilience through advocacy, networking, and strategic positioning, increasing visibility and mentorship to challenge systemic discrimination. Inclusive leaders of the support organizations contribute to these efforts by providing free assistance aimed at facilitating business creation, funding and early-stage development. However, achieving meaningful change requires financial institutions to critically reassess exclusionary lending practices and policymakers to implement alterations that remove barriers to entrepreneurship. Public awareness and targeted funding initiatives are vital in fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. Ultimately, advancing (financial) accessibility demands collaborative efforts among financial institutions, policymakers, and disabled women entrepreneurs to dismantle systemic constraints and pave the way for equitable opportunities.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen