Resource

When Dreamers become Leaders: Understanding a spectrum of needs among women entrepreneurs in Guatemala

This paper summarizes key findings of a qualitative study of women microentrepreneurs - clients of Freedom from Hunger partner, Friendship Bridge. The goal of the study was to help Friendship Bridge identify common client mindset and needs and design products and services to meet those needs as they occur on a spectrum—from a "Dreamer" client with a new business and a few goals, to an "Entrepreneur" who has maturing business needs and a sharper vision, to a "Leader" who is in a position to transform her micro-business to a small or medium sized enterprise.

The research suggested that a woman’s context is an important factor in determining the opportunity she has to grow her business: either from choice or lack of choice. Also revealed by the research was the degree to which a client’s motivation and vision for the future of her business contributes to her potential for growth.