The role of gender in US
microenterprise business plan
development
Ronald G. Cook
Rider University, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
Paul Belliveau
Paul Belliveau Associates, Westfield, New Jersey, USA, and
Christine Lentz
Rider University, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
Abstract
Purpose – This paper proposes to examine the role that gender plays in a microenterprise program
(MEP) that focused on developing quality business plans.
Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected over four years from 1,013 participants in a
microenterprise business development program. Empirical evidence is presented on the outcomes of
the program.
Findings – Women and men had similar program completion rates and similar overall business
plan scores. However, women scored significantly better on the presentation of their plan to judges.
The level of formal education a participant had upon entering the program mattered, but only for
women.
Research limitations/implications – Further research could determine whether the type of formal
education made a difference in producing higher scoring plans (liberal arts, business, etc.) or is it the
process of formal learning that matters? Startups and existing firms, segmentation of firm type (retail,
service, etc.) should be researched in conjunction with gender.
Practical implications – MEPs that emphasize helping women should pay particular attention to
the level of formal education a participant has upon entering the program. Women were also found to
do a better job of explaining their business plan to outsiders, which should enhance their growth
potential.
Originality/value – This article systematically examines differences that gender makes in
completing a business plan development program.
Keywords Gender, Business planning, United States of America
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Microenterprises are commonly described as businesses with limited capital, few or no
employees, and limited role in the market (Tezler, 1992, Cook and Belliveau, 2004).
They are typically a self employment option and are often home-based (Cook et al.,
2004). Although microenterprises are also international in scope, our discussion will
focus on microenterprises in the US.
Microenterprise programs (MEPs) have been created to encourage entrepreneurship
and economic development at the grass roots level (Servon and Doshna, 2000).
According to the 2005 Directory of Microenterprise Programs (Aspen Institute, 2006),
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The role of
gender
241
Journal of Small Business and
Enterprise Development
Vol. 14 No. 2, 2007
pp. 241-251
q Emerald Group Publishing Limited
1462-6004
DOI 10.1108/14626000710746673