ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the basic features of the institutional context and the major support mechanisms that influence the women's entrepreneurship in Turkey and the current position of women in the overall entrepreneurial landscape in Turkey. It also explores the problems/challenges Turkish female entrepreneurs face when initiating and running the business and the key drivers and success factors for women's entrepreneurship in Turkey. An analysis of the factors that contribute to the success of female entrepreneurs demonstrates that access to financial capital and social support from family and friends are two major factors that foster high-potential women's entrepreneurship in Turkey. For female entrepreneurs in Turkey, the lack of societal support and the conflict between their family life and their work life are perceived as two distinct but related problems, both having links to the gender-stereotypic beliefs within the society. The chapter discusses the interview findings and policy recommendations to foster women's entrepreneurship in Turkey.
