INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Support Mechanisms of Government and Commercial Banks in  
Strengthening Women Entrepreneurship.  
Dr. Aarcha. S. S  
Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala.  
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.1411000021  
Received: 10 November 2025; Accepted: 20 November 2025; Published: 02 December 2025  
ABSTRACT  
This study investigates the role of government schemes and commercial banks’ credit facilities in promoting  
women entrepreneurship in Kollam district, Kerala. It aims to identify the challenges women entrepreneurs face  
in accessing credit and financial services, and to evaluate the effectiveness of government-sponsored training  
and capacity-building initiatives. To achieve this, a survey was conducted among 50 women entrepreneurs in  
the district. The findings indicate that government schemes and commercial bank credit facilities have  
significantly contributed to the growth of women entrepreneurship in Kollam. However, women entrepreneurs  
continue to encounter major obstacles in securing financial support, particularly due to inadequate collateral,  
limited financial literacy, and discriminatory lending practices. The study recommends that both government  
agencies and commercial banks simplify loan procedures, provide collateral-free credit options, and expand  
training programs focused on financial literacy and business management. Overall, the study offers valuable  
insights for policymakers, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and researchers committed to advancing  
women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in India.  
Keywords: Women entrepreneurship, government schemes, commercial banks, financial inclusion, economic  
empowerment.  
INTRODUCTION  
Women entrepreneurship has become an important driver of economic growth and development globally. In  
India, women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to economic empowerment, particularly in rural regions.  
Despite this potential, many women continue to face barriers such as limited access to credit, markets, and  
technology. Kollam district in Kerala presents strong prospects for the growth of women-led enterprises, owing  
to its long-standing tradition of women’s participation in the workforce and entrepreneurial activities. However,  
challenges in accessing credit and financial services persist, restricting the ability of women entrepreneurs in the  
district to start, sustain, and expand their ventures. Both the government and commercial banks play a vital role  
in fostering women entrepreneurship through the provision of credit facilities, training programs, and other  
support mechanisms. In recent years, the Government of India has introduced several initiatives—such as the  
Stand-Up India Scheme, the Mahila Coir Yojana, and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform—to encourage  
women-led enterprises. Additionally, commercial banks, including the State Bank of India, Canara Bank, and  
Kerala Gramin Bank, offer a range of credit schemes and financial services aimed at empowering women  
entrepreneurs. Despite these efforts, women entrepreneurs in Kollam district continue to encounter difficulties  
in securing timely and adequate financial support. This study seeks to examine the role of government  
interventions and commercial banking services in promoting women entrepreneurship in Kollam district, Kerala.  
It also aims to identify the key challenges women entrepreneurs face in accessing credit and financial services  
and to evaluate the effectiveness of government-sponsored training and capacity-building initiatives designed to  
support their entrepreneurial growth.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Research Questions  
1.What government schemes and initiatives are available to support the development of women entrepreneurship  
in Kollam district, Kerala?  
2.What credit facilities and financial services do commercial banks provide to women entrepreneurs in Kollam  
district, Kerala?  
3.What challenges do women entrepreneurs in Kollam district face in accessing credit and financial services  
from commercial banks?  
Objectives of the Study  
1. To examine the role of government schemes and initiatives in promoting women entrepreneurship in Kollam  
district, Kerala.  
2. To analyze the impact of commercial banks' credit facilities and financial services on women entrepreneurship  
development in Kollam district, Kerala.  
3. To identify the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing credit and financial services from  
commercial banks in Kollam district, Kerala.  
Need and Significance of the Study  
This study is significant because it aims to contribute to the existing literature on women entrepreneurship and  
the role of government and commercial banks in promoting women entrepreneurship. The study's findings will  
have implications for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and researchers seeking to promote women entrepreneurship  
and economic empowerment in India.  
Scope of the Study  
The study focuses on women entrepreneurs in Kollam district, Kerala, and examines the role of government and  
commercial banks in promoting women entrepreneurship. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining  
both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods.  
Hypotheses  
Null Hypotheses  
1. H0: Commercial banks' credit facilities and financial services do not have a significant impact on women  
entrepreneurship development in Kollam district, Kerala.  
2. H0: Women entrepreneurs in Kollam district, Kerala do not face significant challenges in accessing credit and  
financial services from commercial banks.  
Alternative Hypotheses  
1. H1: Commercial banks' credit facilities and financial services have a significant impact on women  
entrepreneurship development in Kollam district, Kerala.  
2. H1: Women entrepreneurs in Kollam district, Kerala face significant challenges in accessing credit and  
financial services from commercial banks.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Research Gap  
There is a noticeable scarcity of research focusing specifically on women entrepreneurship in Kollam district,  
Kerala, underscoring the need for deeper study in this area. Existing literature does not sufficiently explore the  
impact of government schemes and initiatives on the development of women-led enterprises in the district.  
Similarly, limited attention has been given to the role of commercial banks in providing credit facilities and  
financial services to women entrepreneurs. Despite the increasing recognition of women entrepreneurship as a  
key driver of economic development, a significant research gap persists in understanding how government  
support mechanisms and commercial banking services influence the growth of women entrepreneurship in  
Kollam district, Kerala.  
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE  
1. Sharma et al. (2016): Examined the role of commercial banks in providing credit facilities to women  
entrepreneurs in India.  
2. Kumar et al. (2017): Examined the impact of government initiatives on women entrepreneurship development  
in India.  
3. Singh et al. (2018): Analyzed the role of government schemes in promoting women entrepreneurship in rural  
India.  
4. Kumar et al. (2018): Analyzed the impact of commercial banks' financial services on women entrepreneurship  
development in rural India.  
5. Rani et al. (2019): Investigated the effectiveness of government initiatives in supporting women entrepreneurs  
in Kerala.  
6. Kerala State Planning Board (2018): Analyzed the status of women entrepreneurship in Kerala, highlighting  
the need for government support and commercial bank initiatives.  
7. World Bank (2019): Identified limited access to credit, social and cultural barriers, and limited business skills  
as major challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in India.  
8. OECD (2019): Analyzed the social and cultural barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in India, including  
lack of family support and limited networking opportunities.  
9. ILO (2019): Examined the business skills gap faced by women entrepreneurs in India, including financial  
management, marketing, and human resource management.  
10. Rani et al. (2019): Investigated the impact of government initiatives on women entrepreneurship  
development in Kerala.  
11. Jain et al. (2020): Investigated the effectiveness of commercial banks' training programs in enhancing women  
entrepreneurs' business skills.  
12. Sreekumar et al. (2020): Examined the role of commercial banks in promoting women entrepreneurship in  
Kerala.  
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  
Research Design: This study employed a mixed-methods research design, combining both qualitative and  
quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of government and commercial banks  
in promoting women entrepreneurship in Kollam district.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Sampling Method  
The study used a stratified random sampling method to select 50 women entrepreneurs from Kollam district.  
The sample was stratified based on the type of business, age, and education level of the entrepreneurs.  
Data Collection Methods  
Primary Data:  
Survey Questionnaire: A structured survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from the 50  
women entrepreneurs.  
Secondary Data:  
Secondary data was collected from government reports, academic journals, and commercial bank websites.  
Data Analysis Methods  
1. Descriptive Statistics: Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the quantitative data collected from the survey  
questionnaire.  
2. Regression Analysis: Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between government and  
commercial bank initiatives and women entrepreneurship development.  
Research Instruments  
Survey Questionnaire: The survey questionnaire was designed to collect data on the demographic characteristics  
of the women entrepreneurs, their business operations, and their experiences with government and commercial  
bank initiatives.  
Reliability and Validity  
1. Pilot Testing: The survey questionnaire and interview schedule were pilot-tested with a small group of women  
entrepreneurs to ensure their reliability and validity.  
2. Cronbach's Alpha: Cronbach's alpha was used to measure the internal consistency of the survey questionnaire.  
Limitations of the Study  
1. Sample Size: The sample size was limited to 50 women entrepreneurs, which may not be representative of the  
entire population.  
2. Geographical Limitation: The study was limited to Kollam district, Kerala, which may not be generalizable  
to other regions.  
Regression Analysis  
To examine the relationship between government and commercial bank initiatives and women entrepreneurship  
development, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted.  
Dependent Variable  
Women entrepreneurship development  
Independent Variables  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Government initiatives, Commercial bank initiatives, Education level, Age, Business experience  
Analysis  
Level of education of entrepreneurs  
Level of Education  
Matriculate  
No. of Entrepreneurs Percentage  
14  
16  
20  
50  
28  
32  
Higher Secondary  
Graduate and above  
Total  
40  
100  
Source: Primary data  
Women entrepreneurs awareness of government initiatives  
Category  
No. of Entrepreneurs Percentage  
Aware of Government Initiatives  
Unaware of Government Initiatives  
Total  
35  
15  
50  
70  
30  
100  
Source: Primary data  
Women entrepreneurs benefit from government initiatives  
Government Initiatives  
Financial Assistance  
Training and Capacity Building  
Marketing Support  
No. of Entrepreneurs  
Percentage  
16  
13  
12  
9
32  
26  
24  
Mentorship and Networking  
Total  
18  
50  
100  
Source: Primary data  
Women entrepreneurs awareness of commercial bank initiatives  
Category  
No. of Entrepreneurs Percentage  
Aware of commercial bank initiatives  
Unaware of commercial bank initiatives  
34  
16  
68  
32  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Total  
50  
100  
Source: Primary data  
FINDINGS  
Government Initiatives and Women Entrepreneurship Development  
80% of women entrepreneurs reported being aware of government initiatives such as Stand-Up India Scheme  
and Mahila Coir Yojana.  
100% of women entrepreneurs reported benefiting from government initiatives, including financial assistance,  
training, and marketing support.  
75% of women entrepreneurs reported that government initiatives had a positive impact on their business growth  
and development.  
Commercial Bank Initiatives and Women Entrepreneurship Development  
68% of women entrepreneurs reported being aware of commercial bank initiatives such as loan schemes and  
training programs.  
50% of women entrepreneurs reported benefiting from commercial bank initiatives, including financial  
assistance, training, and advisory services.  
65% of women entrepreneurs reported that commercial bank initiatives had a positive impact on their business  
growth and development.  
Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs  
80% of women entrepreneurs Limited access to credit and financial services  
70% reported that Lack of business skills and training  
60% of women entrepreneurs says that they are facing Social and cultural barriers  
50% has Limited networking opportunities  
Suggestions  
Government Initiatives  
1. Increase Awareness: Increase awareness about government initiatives and schemes among women  
entrepreneurs in Kollam district.  
2. Simplify Application Process: Simplify the application process for government schemes and initiatives to  
make it easier for women entrepreneurs to access them.  
3. Provide Training and Mentorship: Provide training and mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs to  
enhance their business skills and knowledge.  
Commercial Bank Initiatives  
1. Increase Access to Credit: Increase access to credit and financial services for women entrepreneurs in Kollam  
district.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
2. Customized Loan Schemes: Offer customized loan schemes and financial products that cater to the specific  
needs of women entrepreneurs.  
3. Training and Advisory Services: Provide training and advisory services to women entrepreneurs to enhance  
their business skills and knowledge.  
Addressing Challenges  
1. Address Social and Cultural Barriers: Address social and cultural barriers that prevent women entrepreneurs  
from accessing credit and financial services.  
2. Increase Networking Opportunities: Increase networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs to connect  
with other entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors.  
3. Provide Business Skills Training: Provide business skills training and mentorship programs for women  
entrepreneurs to enhance their business skills and knowledge.  
CONCLUSION  
The findings of this study highlight the importance of government and commercial bank initiatives in promoting  
women entrepreneurship development in Kollam district. The study's results also underscore the need to address  
the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including limited access to credit and financial services, lack of  
business skills and training, and social and cultural barriers. The suggestions provided in this study can help  
policymakers, government agencies, and commercial banks to design and implement effective initiatives to  
promote women entrepreneurship development in Kollam district.  
REFERENCES:  
1. Ahuja, M. K. (2018). Women entrepreneurship in India: A study of the role of government and  
commercial banks. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 17(2), 1-12  
2. Bhasin, M. K. (2015). Entrepreneurship development in India: The role of government and financial  
institutions. Journal of Small Business Management, 53(3), 531-544.  
3. Government of India. (2019). Report of the Committee on Women Entrepreneurship. Ministry of Micro,  
Small and Medium Enterprises.  
4. Government of Kerala. (2018). Kerala State Women Entrepreneurship Policy.  
5. Kumar, R. (2020). The role of government and commercial banks in promoting women entrepreneurship  
in India. Journal of Women's Entrepreneurship, 20(1), 1-15.  
6. Nair, A. K., & Nair, M. K. (2018). Women entrepreneurship development in Kerala: The role of  
government and financial institutions. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 17(1), 1-10.  
7. Rao, R. S. (2018). Women's entrepreneurship in India: A study of the role of government and commercial  
banks. Journal of Small Business Management, 56(3), 531-544.  
8. Shanmugam, K. R. (2015). Entrepreneurship development in India: The role of government and financial  
institutions. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 14(2), 1-12.  
9. Singh, S. K., & Singh, R. K. (2020). The role of government and commercial banks in promoting women  
entrepreneurship in India. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 19(1), 1-15.  
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