EDUCATION AS A FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CATALYST

Abstract

The number of businesses in Serbia owned and managed by women is increasing, but female entrepreneurs are still in the minority. This study aims to explore characteristics, motivations, advantages, and disadvantages of female entrepreneurship in Serbia in relation to differences in the education level of female entrepreneurs. The main idea is that education level influences the motivation to become an entrepreneur and the choice of the business sector and that female entrepreneurs of different education levels perceive the advantages and disadvantages of entrepreneurship differently. The research was conducted during the first quarter of 2023. The research sample included 104 female entrepreneurs from different sectors and regions of the country. It was demonstrated that education level has an impact on female entrepreneurship. The choice of business sector was influenced by the education level of female entrepreneurs. The way female entrepreneurs perceived the advantages and disadvantages of entrepreneurship was, in some cases, associated with the level of education, while the decision and motivation to become an entrepreneur were not. The results of this study can be used for researchers and policymakers in the field of entrepreneurship to increase the number of female entrepreneurs in Serbia.