ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEMS IN THE GCC - ASSESSING SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR WOMEN AND DISABLED ENTREPRENEURS IN OMAN

Abstract

The present study aims at exploring the entrepreneurial ecosystems in the context of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the support structures for females and disabled entrepreneurs in Oman in further detail. The research objectives of this work are therefore as follows: The degree and manner of efficiency of support structures and systems available are to be evaluated. Thus, the study adopted both the quantitative survey and the qualitative interview to the entrepreneurs and experts involved in policymaking and support organizations. It shows that women and disabled persons face numerous barriers in their business, namely, the issue of access to financing, support, and other resources. However, there are still spaces for improvements and requires the specific policy intervention to bring about the enabling environment for those that are in the business of running entrepreneurial ventures. Thus, the paper offers the recommendation of several ways to improve support systems and presents the ideas for future research.