People are born with innate abilities, however it is their environment that will hinder and further their success. Whether you are a female entrepreneur or a twenty year old university student, the conditions of your environment heavily impact your growth. Acknowledging that some individuals are not afforded the same opportunity, I am extremely grateful to have been supported by my advisors, family, friends, and peers during my research studies. 

Throughout my summer, Lord Laidlaw and the Laidlaw Foundation have granted me the amazing opportunity to examine the governmental limitations of female entrepreneurs between India and the United States. 

Various psychological research studies have shown that entrepreneurs all hold similar qualities and skills. Yet, throughout my research I have found that the organizational, political, and social climates of the United States and India have allowed the discrimination of female entrepreneurs to exist. Beginning my research I had expected there to be a dramatic difference in the impediments that women face within India and the United States; however, I was surprised to discover that female entrepreneurs within both countries are susceptible to similar forms of discrimination. Discrimination that is directly linked towards limitations in credit access, capital allocations, and financial literacy. Only increasing the systemic hardships placed upon entrepreneurs and females within these countries. 

Therefore, the support and political policies devised to ‘eliminate’ the limitations of female entrepreneurs within the United States and India became an intriguing subject within my research. Constitutional amendments, micro-credit schemes, women vocational training programs, self-help groups and tax initiatives are various programs and policies offered to female entrepreneurs in the United States and India. However, due to the continued discriminatory practices and the lack of economical success for female entrepreneurs one has to question the effectiveness of these policies. One has to wonder why governments and countries wouldn’t place greater value on the need for female entrepreneurs?

Female entrepreneurship is a vague topic of discussion, but not an unimportant one. Women empowerment and female entrepreneurship is an unexploited avenue for economic growth and competition. Creating greater importance for female entrepreneurship will not hinder the success of men and nations but increase and improve their environment. For this reason, researchers and economists should continue to learn and engage within the realm of female entrepreneurship and governments should not continue their implementation of ‘thoughtful policies’ but proactive policies. 

“It is impossible to think about the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is impossible for a bird to fly on only one wing” - Swami Vivekananda

Again, I would like to thank Lord Laidlaw and the Laidlaw Foundation for this amazing opportunity. As well as my advisor Shruti Narayanswamy for her kindness, patience, and support throughout my research. To my family, friends, and St. Andrews, thank you for providing me with an environment where failures are also achievements.