Naslov
Small matching grants for women entrepreneurs: lessons from the past recession

Autori
Srhoj, Stjepan ; Škrinjarić, Bruno ; Radas, Sonja ; Walde, Janette

Izvornik
Small Business Economics (0921-898X) 1 (2021), 1; 1-28

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Women entrepreneurship ; Gender financing gap ; Policy evaluation ; Business development grant ; Recession

Sažetak
During the economic slowdown caused by the financial crisis in 2008, grants for entrepreneurs were made available to support economic development. Whether such a policy instrument is effective for business development is a highly relevant question in the aftermath of COVID-19. We evaluate the causal effects of small business development matching grants using a quasi- experimental approach. The grants were exclusively targeted to women entrepreneurs and provided during the recession after the financial crisis. Our findings demonstrate an increase in bank loans and a positive impact on turnover, value-added, capital, employment, and overall factor productivity for more experienced women entrepreneurs. As the grants are too small to have direct economic effects or indirect effects via the certification effect, they alleviate time and information constraints of women entrepreneurs. The cost-benefit analysis shows an increase in value-added that outweighs the scheme-related costs.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Ekonomija

POVEZANOST RADA