Factors that influence the survival of women-owned small business start-ups in the city of Tema, Ghana

The main purpose of the study was to find out what business practices would be appropriate in helping women to survive in small business start-up and management based on the analysis of experiences of the interviewees. Another purpose was to find any government policy that serves as a barrier to women's entrepreneurship development.The researcher investigated the factors that influenced the survival of women-owned small-scale enterprises in the city of Tema in Ghana. The sample selection was based on several criteria, which included location of business, number of employees, gender ownership, and longevity of operations. The qualitative research methodology was utilized. Thirty-six women entrepreneurs were interviewed using an open-ended interview guide.The researcher reviewed the relevant literature on business and industrialization in Ghana. He also reviewed the role of Ghanaian women entrepreneurs in the Ghana's economy. The theoretical foundation that underpinned the study was the African feminist theory of development.The findings of the study reveal that several major factors were shared among the subjects that affected their businesses survival. These factors included innovation, a flexible business plan, a strong family support system, strategic social networks, and professional development. The findings also showed that the interviewees had experienced gender discrimination in terms of government economic policies, lack of capital, and administrative hurdles.