IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

WORLD JOURNAL OF ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (WJEDS )

E-ISSN 2579-0544
P-ISSN 2695-2483
VOL. 9 NO. 6 2024
DOI: 10.56201/wjeds.v9.no6.2024.pg130.142

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Social Support Networks and Women’s Entrepreneurial Success in Nigeria

Nwabuatu, Emmanuel Nnajiubah. Ph. D

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Abstract

This study examines the role of social support networks in fostering women's entrepreneurial success in Nigeria. Using a qualitative approach, it explores how various forms of social support, including family, friends, mentors, and professional networks, contribute to the growth and sustainability of women-owned businesses. The aim of research is to identify key factors within these networks that enhance entrepreneurial outcomes and to propose strategies for strengthening support systems for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

keywords:

Social support networks, women entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial success, Nigeria,

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References:

Adebayo, A. A., & Kolawole, O. J. (2022). Intersectionality and social support networks among
women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies,
14(2), 234-251. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEEE-06-2021-0180
Ademokun, F., & Ajayi, O. (2019). The impact of mentorship on the growth of women-owned
businesses in Lagos, Nigeria. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small
Business, 37(1), 137-153. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJESB.2019.098880
Bott, E. (1964). Family and social network: Roles, Norms, and External Relationships in Ordinary
Urban Families. London?: Tavistock Publications.
Dabi?, M., Dana, L., Nziku, D. M., & Ramadani, V. (2022). Women entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan
Africa: Historical Framework, Ecosystem, and Future Perspectives for the Region.
Springer Nature.
Dasgupta, P., & Serageldin, I. (2000). Social capital: A Multifaceted Perspective. World Bank
Publications.
Development, O. F. E. C. A. (2017). Engaging employers in apprenticeship opportunities.
Organization for Economic Co-Operation & Development.
Dubos, R. (2017). Social capital: Theory and Research. Routledge.
Fayolle, A., Jack, S. L., Lamine, W., & Chabaud, D. (2016). Entrepreneurial process and social
networks: A Dynamic Perspective. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Grantham, K., Dowie, G., & De Haan, A. (2021). Women’s economic empowerment: Insights from
Africa and South Asia. Routledge.
Hartsock, N. C. (2019). The feminist Standpoint revisited, and other essays. Routledge.
Jepperson, R. L., & Meyer, J. W. (2021). Institutional theory: The Cultural Construction of
Organizations, States, and Identities. Cambridge University Press.
Lança, I. S., & Fontes, M. (2012). Social networks, innovation and the knowledge economy.
Routledge.
Lincoln, A. A. (2012). Prospects and Challenges of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Montgomery, C. A. (2011). Resource-Based and evolutionary theories of the firm: Towards a
Synthesis. Springer Science & Business Media.
Nwosu, E. O., Obiorah, J. N., & Ewurum, U. J. (2021). Professional associations and resource
access for women entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria. Journal of Developmental
Entrepreneurship, 26(2), 2150011. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1084946721500114
Oecd. (2021). OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Outlook 2021. OECD Publishing.
Ogunleye, A. J., & Adedayo, O. (2023). Cultural norms and the utilization of social support
networks among women entrepreneurs in Southwestern Nigeria. International Journal
of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 15(1), 77-94. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJGE-08-2022-
0135
Okafor, C., & Mordi, C. (2020). Balancing business and domestic responsibilities: Experiences of
women entrepreneurs in Lagos, Nigeria. Gender in Management: An International
Journal, 35(1), 87-102. https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-03-2019-0035
Olajide, S. E., Afolabi, B., & Ajani, E. N. (2018). Digital platforms and networking opportunities
for rural women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging
Economies, 10(3), 559-577. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEEE-11-2017-0099
Olayinka, O. (2021). The Adoption of e-business Technologies and Processes in Nigerian Small
Business Enterprises. https://doi.org/10.46289/buse2048
Adebayo, A. A., & Kolawole, O. J. (2022). Intersectionality and social support networks among
women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies,
14(2), 234-251. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEEE-06-2021-0180
Ademokun, F., & Ajayi, O. (2019). The impact of mentorship on the growth of women-owned
businesses in Lagos, Nigeria. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small
Business, 37(1), 137-153. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJESB.2019.098880
Bott, E. (1964). Family and social network: roles, norms, and external relationships in ordinary
urban families. London?: Tavistock Publications, [1959, reprinted 1964].
Dabi?, M., Dana, L., Nziku, D. M., & Ramadani, V. (2022). Women entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan
Africa: Historical Framework, Ecosystem, and Future Perspectives for the Region.
Springer Nature.
Dasgupta, P., & Serageldin, I. (2000). Social capital: A Multifaceted Perspective. World Bank
Publications.
Development, O. F. E. C. A. (2017). Engaging employers in apprenticeship opportunities.
Organization for Economic Co-Operation & Development.
Dubos, R. (2017). Social capital: Theory and research. Routledge.
Fayolle, A., Jack, S. L., Lamine, W., & Chabaud, D. (2016). Entrepreneurial process and social
networks: A Dynamic Perspective. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Grantham, K., Dowie, G., & De Haan, A. (2021). Women’s economic empowerment: Insights from
Africa and South Asia. Routledge.
Hartsock, N. C. (2019). The feminist Standpoint revisited, and other essays. Routledge.
Jepperson, R. L., & Meyer, J. W. (2021). Institutional theory: The cultural construction of
organizations, states, and identities. Cambridge University Press.
Lança, I. S., & Fontes, M. (2012). Social networks, innovation and the knowledge economy.
Routledge.
Lincoln, A. A. (2012). Prospects and challenges of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Montgomery, C. A. (2011). Resource-Based and evolutionary theories of the firm: Towards a
Synthesis. Springer Science & Business Media.
Nwosu, E. O., Obiorah, J. N., & Ewurum, U. J. (2021). Professional associations and resource
access for women entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria. Journal of Developmental
Entrepreneurship, 26(2), 2150011. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1084946721500114
Oecd. (2021). OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Outlook 2021. OECD Publishing.
Ogunleye, A. J., & Adedayo, O. (2023). Cultural norms and the utilization of social support
networks among women entrepreneurs in Southwestern Nigeria. International Journal
of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 15(1), 77-94. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJGE-08-2022-
0135
Okafor, C., & Mordi, C. (2020). Balancing business and domestic responsibilities: Experiences of
women entrepreneurs in Lagos, Nigeria. Gender in Management: An International
Journal, 35(1), 87-102. https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-03-2019-0035
Olajide, S. E., Afolabi, B., & Ajani, E. N. (2018). Digital platforms and networking opportunities
for rural women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging
Economies, 10(3), 559-577. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEEE-11-2017-0099
Olayinka, O. (2021). The adoption of e-business technologies and processes in Nigerian small
business enterprises. https://doi.org/10.46289/buse2048

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