Financial Institutions Lack of Access financial institutions continue to successfully inhibit the growth and development of female owned business by their lack of approachability. Charges Banks continue to levy heavy charges on established micro and small business owners. Class Barriers cultural barriers are not restricted to those arising from religion or ethnic origin. Class appears to be an effective barrier for many women, especially those with minimal education or who are returning to the labour market after raising children. Childcare Lack of Provision poor availability of childcare prohibits many women from pursuing a new business or from developing an existing enterprise.
Summer holidays pose a particular problem.
Current Schemes although good in principal these do not appear to addressing the problem sufficiently. There is also a lack of second level premises, i.e. those for small expanding businesses, and retail starter units at affordable prices. Rates are a major inhibitor of growth, and it was felt that local government needed greater flexibility in the allocation of business rates. Recommendations Business Support Awareness potential female business owners need to know what services are available. Access service providers need to be more proactive in overcoming the perceptions resulting from gender, class, educational or ethnic background that prevent potential and existing business owners from utilising such services.