24th MEB Conference - Budapest, 24.04.2026

Women’s entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in economic development and social empowerment; however, female entrepreneurs often face significant challenges in securing financial resources and building support networks. This paper provides a literature review on the impact of access to finance and support networks on the development of women’s entrepreneurship in Kosovo. Through an analysis of studies from countries with varying levels of economic development and Kosovo’s specific context, key challenges and best practices are identified to help female entrepreneurs overcome financial barriers and establish effective support structures.The study highlights that dedicated financing schemes for women entrepreneurs, mentoring programs, and professional networking platforms are key factors for their success. However, the literature suggests that these mechanisms are often fragmented and limited by the absence of comprehensive approaches addressing gender and structural challenges. Additionally, the lack of data on the long-term effectiveness of these initiatives poses a barrier to the development of well-structured policies in Kosovo.This paper contributes to the existing literature by analyzing the key factors influencing access to finance and the establishment of support networks for female entrepreneurs in Kosovo. Furthermore, it offers recommendations for improving financial access and strengthening support networks, thereby fostering a more enabling environment for the development of women’s entrepreneurship in Kosovo.