Work

Financial Bootstrapping: A Case of Women Entrepreneurs in Context of Digital Economy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Women entrepreneurs in the Middle Eastern region, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), face several challenges (e.g., cultural) coupled with the recent transformation of the digital economy. This issue poses a significant challenge for financing the business operations. Thus, this study aims to find the relationship between prior family business exposure, growth intention, motivation, and financial bootstrapping with the mediating role of prior experiences among women entrepreneurs in the UAE. A quantitative survey questionnaire method was used to collect responses from 318 women business owners in different regions of the UAE. The findings of the study suggest that there is a positive relationship between prior family business exposure and financial bootstrapping and growth intention and financial bootstrapping, and prior experience plays a mediating role among all exogenous variables. The study offers a unique perspective on the intersection between prior family business exposure, growth intention, motivation, and financial bootstrapping, highlighting the mediating role of prior experience in a demographical and geographic context (e.g., UAE) that is under-researched regarding financial strategies.

Source: International Journal of Financial Studies

DOI: 10.3390/ijfs13010041

Authors: Saeed Alhammadi, Syed Abidur Rahman

Institution: University of Sharjah

Language: English

Topic: Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172