The Impact of Challenges, Opportunities, and Government Support on Entrepreneurial Success: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Running a business often drives jobs, fresh ideas, and stronger economies. Women who run small or medium-sized businesses help communities grow in fairer, longer-lasting ways - but many still struggle with limited funds, social norms, juggling home life. Still, things like online tools, wider markets, helpful groups boost their chances. The research looks at how hurdles, openings, plus state backing shape results, using stats methods like SEM and regression. Data came from 100 women running small businesses, using a five-point rating system for key factors. The model sort of worked - fit measures like GFI (0.905) and AGFI (0.854) looked okay, RMSEA was at 0.068; yet CFI (0.707) and TLI (0.625) hinted it was not strong. When checked closely, money troubles boosted success chances (β = 0.294, p = 0.036), just like having control over finances did (β = 0.328, p = 0.045). On the flip side, handling home duties weighed down outcomes (β = –0.306, p = 0.084); aid from authorities (β = –0.341, p = 0.067) and past training programs (β = –0.370, p = 0.057) - though these last ones barely crossed into significance. Oddly enough, help meant to assist sometimes seemed to get in the way. This research adds real data to talks about female founders, pushing officials, lenders, and support groups toward smarter, tailored actions instead of one-size-fits-all fixes.