THE CONTRIBUTION OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS, BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND LOCATION TO FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS’ BUSINESS EXPANSION

Abstract

Abstract: In Indonesia, female entrepreneurs especially small business owners are the major contributors to national GDP. However, family-business balance is unlikely to success for female entrepreneurs thus affecting the business expansion. By conducting this research in various area in Sulawesi Utara, this research’s interest in female entrepreneurs’ business expansion will be measured not only by including their demographic characteristics but also business performances and location. Quantitative method is used to measure the influence of demographic characteristics, business performance, and location of female entrepreneurs to business expansion. This research uses questionnaires to collect data from 161 female entrepreneurs selected from four different areas in North Sulawesi Indonesia, namely Manado, Minahasa, Tomohon and Bitung. The logistics regression result shows that different age groups and marital status have shown various tendency to expand their business. The demographic characteristics’ contribution to business expansion has been greatly influenced also by their business performance and their location. Female entrepreneurs and the government must be encouraged to optimize the local businesses. The researcher suggests that any programs and activities dedicated to business expansion should be planned suitable to the demographic characteristics of female entrepreneurs, the business performance, and its location.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, female entrepreneur, business expansion.