Burden to blessing: exploring the competencies and motivations of physically challenged women entrepreneurs in the emerging economies

Purpose This qualitative study explores the motivations, challenges and competencies of physically challenged women entrepreneurs in the emerging economies such as Bangladesh. This study also attempts to investigate the skills of women entrepreneurs who are physically challenged by showcasing their experiences to increase their capacity to initiate and run their own businesses. Design/methodology/approach The study examined the business experiences of 12 Bangladeshi physically challenged women entrepreneurs using narrative inquiry. Entrepreneurs from three districts of the southern part of Bangladesh with at least three years of experience were chosen as respondents of this study. This method was used to record responses by having participants narrate stories about their daily entrepreneurial activities. Findings The current research revealed that physically challenged women entrepreneurs are motivated by self-reliance, the opportunity to support family and the scope to be a role model. Their challenges include societal stigma, financial burden, skill-related problems, physical disabilities and broken marriages. Research limitations/implications The survey was limited to the business owners in the Khulna Division of Bangladesh. Consequently, it is suggested that future studies be conducted covering the whole country and empirical investigations in this area are strongly encouraged. Practical implications The study provides deeper insight into the experiences of women entrepreneurs with physical disabilities in developing countries. Findings of the study can support these entrepreneurs and assist enterprises, policymakers and academics in expanding opportunities for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Additionally, by using the life experiences of physically challenged women entrepreneurs, this research offers insightful advice to women who want to start their own companies. Social implications Many stakeholders, including women who are physically sound and physically challenged, entrepreneurs, academics, students, and legislators, benefit from this study. By using the experiences of accomplished physically challenged women entrepreneurs, this research offers insightful advice to women who want to start their own companies. The research will be especially helpful to policymakers because it emphasizes the need for services such as accessible loans, family support networks, soft loans, training sessions, and courses specifically designed for physically challenged women entrepreneurs. Overall, by addressing relevant issues and creating encouraging circumstances, this research can improve the number of women pursuing entrepreneurship. Originality/value This research uniquely examines Bangladeshi physically challenged female entrepreneurs’ motivations, challenges and competencies in a developing economy. The research sheds new insight into how physical limitations affect entrepreneurship in developing countries by spotlighting these entrepreneurs’ real-life experiences and skills.