The impact of Business Financing on the Operations of Women-owned SMEs in the Informal Economic Sector of Thailand

<p dir="ltr">Small and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs] are central to the economic drive of many developing countries. Several studies have shown the increasing importance of institutional, demographic, economic, financial, and sociocultural factors in shaping the growth of SMEs, especially in developing economies. Despite this broad coverage, there is still limited evidence of policies to bridge the gender gap, even though women are largely and variably engaged in SMEs. To close this gap, we examine the business financing landscape of women-owned SMEs in the informal economic sector of Thailand. As a pilot study, we focus on convenience stores and grocery businesses as they are predominantly run by women in Bangkok, the country’s economic hub.</p>