Breaking barriers: challenges in access to credit for women-led businesses

This research explores challenges women entrepreneurs face in accessing credit and analyzes their strategies through case studies. Despite these challenges, women-led businesses are increasing, showing resilience and dynamism. Studies reveal gender disparities in credit access, with women encountering more difficulties obtaining loans than men (Perrin & Weill, Finance Research Letters 47, 2022). A detailed analysis of three entrepreneurs in Rome evaluates their credit experiences in Made in Italy sectors, specifically handmade ice cream, shoes, and souvenirs (Paoloni, Elementi di governo d’azienda. Giappichelli, Torino, 2020). Using a qualitative research method, this study examines case studies to analyze real-life events (Yin, Qualitative research methods 5:359–386, 2003), offering a nuanced understanding of social and cultural influences on credit access. This research deepens understanding of current dynamics in credit access, highlighting communication gaps with financial providers and broader social and cultural influences. Findings suggest unified approaches by financial institutions and policymakers to promote financial inclusion through collaborative programs with governmental and non-governmental entities (Onoshakpor et al., Contextualising African Studies: Challenges and the Way Forward. Emerald Publishing Limited, 2023). Theoretical contributions identify conceptual gaps influenced by context and geography, enriching theoretical frameworks. Future research should explore evolving financing access through digital services and technological tools (Roy & Patro, Vision 26:282, 2022). © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.