Assessing Post-COVID Recovery and Entrepreneurial Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Odisha: Evidence from Rayagada District

Authors:

Dr. Subhadarshini Pradhan

Abstract

            Women entrepreneurship has gained importance as a catalyst for economic growth and social empowerment, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. This study explores the socio-economic characteristics, entrepreneurial activities, and performance of women entrepreneurs in Rayagada district during the post-COVID period. It also evaluates the influence of financial access, government support, and training on business recovery and performance. The research is based on primary data collected from 318 respondents through a structured questionnaire. Analytical tools such as mean, standard deviation, t-test, correlation, regression, and chi-square test are used for analysis. The findings show that a majority of the respondents belong to the 30–40 age group, have secondary-level education, and are linked with Self-Help Groups, with manufacturing being the most common type of enterprise. The results highlight that although the pandemic disrupted business activities, a moderate level of recovery has been achieved. Government initiatives, especially training and skill development, significantly improve entrepreneurial performance, while marketing support appears comparatively limited. Access to finance positively contributes to business recovery, and training enhances the adoption of improved business practices. Regression results further confirm the strong impact of government support on performance. Overall, the study concludes that women entrepreneurs demonstrate considerable resilience after the pandemic, but their progress depends on a combination of financial, institutional, and capacity-building factors.

Keywords: Women Entrepreneurship, Business Recovery, Government Support, Access to Finance, Training and Skill Development, Entrepreneurial Performance, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Post-COVID Impact