Entrepreneurship education for women in higher education

This research theme aligns with ongoing work at the University of Auckland Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and draws insights from the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students Survey (GUESSS). Our research explores how entrepreneurship education can foster the development of entrepreneurial mindsets and self-efficacy among women in higher education, increasing their interest and preparation for entrepreneurial careers. This research helps shape the Centre’s inclusive educational strategies and empower the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

Enterprising women and entrepreneurial finance

Women entrepreneurs’ access to entrepreneurial finance explores the barriers and opportunities women face when seeking funding for their ventures. We are specifically focused on angel and venture capital investment in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Our research highlights how bias (conscious and unconscious), network limitations, risk perceptions, and homophily affect women’s ability to secure capital. Further, the research explores the supply side by considering the role and influence of women as active business angels and venture capitalists.

Through our comparative research, we have insights from best practice and policy initiatives that inform the scope of strategies for improving access to equity finance, financial inclusion, and policy changes to enhance women’s entrepreneurial success and economic participation in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Janine Swail has published on this topic in the De Gruyter Handbook of Entrepreneurial Finance (2022). She also authored a 2021 report on Raising Capital in Aotearoa New Zealand: Insights from Women Entrepreneurs.

Ngā wāhine kaipakihi – Māori women in enterprise

In line with our purpose to build knowledge about and support for entrepreneurial women, our key research focus is the barriers faced by wāhine Māori entrepreneurs. Three questions guide our research agenda: How do these barriers differ from those experienced by Pākehā women and Māori men? From a Te Ao Māori perspective, what does a successful entrepreneurial journey look like for wāhine Māori? What is the role of the whānau/family in the entrepreneurial journey of wāhine Māori?

Enterprising women as SME exporters

Enterprising Women as SME Exporters in Aotearoa, New Zealand, focuses on the role of women entrepreneurs in leading small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that engage in export activities. It examines the opportunities, barriers, and strategies these women navigate within the global marketplace, particularly within New Zealand’s unique cultural and economic context. The research explores factors such as access to international networks, gendered challenges in export industries, and the role of Māori and Pasifika women in global trade. Ultimately, it highlights the contribution of women SME exporters to New Zealand’s economic growth and global trade presence.

Enterprising women within family businesses

Enterprising Women within Whānau/Family Businesses in Aotearoa, New Zealand, explores the roles, contributions, and challenges faced by women in family-owned enterprises within the unique cultural and economic context of New Zealand. The foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand’s contemporary economy are built on successful family businesses and the Māori economy is similarly built on the successes of whānau and hapu innovators and traders.

Our research explores how gender dynamics, family relationships, and Māori or Pasifika cultural influences impact women’s leadership and decision-making. The research also addresses issues like succession planning, family/business interface, power structures, innovation, and growth, highlighting the opportunities for women to shape the success and sustainability of family businesses while challenging traditional gender roles in New Zealand’s business landscape.

Gender and social entrepreneurship

Research under this theme aims to build cumulative knowledge in women’s social entrepreneurship and gender empowerment through social enterprise (including community enterprises and environmentally-oriented organisations) and social innovation. It includes research on the gendered aspects of social entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Anne de Bruin, Robyn Eversole and Christine Woods guest edited a Special Issue on this topic in 2024 entitled: Gender and Social Entrepreneurship: building cumulative knowledge.

Enterprising women’s experiences of exit, closure and business failure

Women’s experiences of business exit, closure, and failure explores the unique challenges and perspectives women face when leaving or closing a business, whether due to financial failure, personal choice, or external pressures. Our research examines the social, emotional, and economic impacts on women, including how gendered expectations, societal stigma, and access to resources influence their experiences. It also investigates the resilience, sensemaking, coping strategies, and learning outcomes women gain from business failure, shedding light on how these experiences shape future career endeavours and contribute to the broader understanding of failure in entrepreneurship. The current research context is the United Kingdom, but future projects will be extended into Aotearoa New Zealand.

Janine Swail published on this topic in 2024 in the International Journal of Small Business, “‘Involuntary exit for personal reasons’ – A gendered critique of the business exit decision”.

Enterprising women and the role of allyship

Women entrepreneurs and the role of allyship explores how supportive allies can influence the success of women in entrepreneurship. It examines how allies, including male allies, can work alongside, advocate, and engage in inclusive leadership to help dismantle barriers like gender bias, unequal access to networks, and funding challenges. The research also addresses the impact of allyship in creating more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems, fostering collaboration, and challenging traditional power structures. By understanding the role of allies, this theme seeks to promote strategies that enhance gender equity and support the growth of women-led businesses.

Inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems

Inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems create environments where diverse individuals, regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status, or other factors, have equitable access to entrepreneurship opportunities. It examines the structural barriers that marginalized groups face and explores strategies to foster inclusion within entrepreneurial networks, support systems, and resources. The goal is to build ecosystems that support innovation and economic growth and enhance social equity by empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to broader societal development.

Anne de Bruin and Janine Swail published on this topic in 2024 in the International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, “Advancing gender inclusivity: moving entrepreneurial ecosystems onto new paths”.