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August 15, 2025
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November 8, 2025
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February 2, 2026
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Abstract

The paper examines how the socio-economic developments of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh are influenced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). An equal weighted composite index based on a quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed on 489 women entrepreneurs borrowing SME loans to meet the objectives. The study employed methodologies such as OLS, quantile regression, bootstrapped regression, standardised beta regression, hierarchical regression, and moderation effects to test the hypotheses and check the robustness. Results indicate that access to loans and adequacy of loans have a positive influence on the socio-economic development of women entrepreneurs. On the other hand, tight credit checks, excessive collateral requirements and lack of institutional support are growth inhibitors, particularly among low-income individuals. The study has significant policy implications in that SME loans are significantly contributing to the socio-economic welfare of the women entrepreneurs, and Loan factors impact mostly, while both age and education imply the variations across the benefits received from the SME loans. This paper adds value to the literature by examining the dynamics between financial inclusion and institutional support in determining the success of women entrepreneurs by leveraging rigorous econometric modelling. The study paves the way to further research and policy development with a focus on the absorption of SME benefits by optimising loan factors and institutional factors, similar to other emerging economies.

Keywords

Women entrepreneurs SME loans Financial inclusion Socio-economic development Institutional support Bangladesh Empowerment

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Copyright (c) 2025 Gourav Roy, Bahadur, Puja

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Author Biographies

Bahadur Chandra Das, Department of Finance, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bahadur Chandra Das is currently pursuing his MBA from the Department of Finance, University of Dhaka. Before that, he completed his BBA from the same department with excellent academic qualifications. Additionally, he is involved in various research activities related to the implementation of SDGs and the socio-economic development of women and entrepreneurship. 

Puja Rani Saha, Department of Banking and Insurance, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Puja Rani Saha is currently pursuing her MBA from the Department of Banking and Insurance, University of Dhaka. Before that, she completed her BBA from the same department with execellent results. Furthermore, Puja Rani Saha has dedicated herself to research from the beginning of her academic life and has published in international journals. Currently, her research focus is on the implementation of SDGs by focusing on women's empowerment and economic balancing with inclusive development. 

How to Cite
Roy, G., Das, B. C., & Saha, P. R. (2026). A multi-method econometric analysis of SME loan’s impacts on women’s entrepreneurial development in Bangladesh. Asian Management and Business Review, 6(1), 203–224. https://doi.org/10.20885/AMBR.vol6.iss1.art13
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