Financing Women’s Entrepreneurship: A Comparative Analysis of the Experiences of Uzbekistan and Developed Countries

This article examines the effectiveness of the financing system for women’s entrepreneurship and its role in economic growth. Current government programs, commercial bank credit lines, and financial mechanisms in Uzbekistan are comparatively analyzed against the experience of developed countries, particularly the United States and Germany. The study finds that although access to finance for women-owned businesses in Uzbekistan has improved, insufficient collateral and the underdevelopment of the private investment (venture capital) market remain major obstacles. International experience suggests that expanding credit guarantee funds and improving the microfinance system could contribute to strengthening the financial ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan. Based on these findings, practical proposals and recommendations are developed to enhance the mechanisms for financing women’s entrepreneurship in the country. International evidence confirms that access to finance remains one of the most significant constraints on women entrepreneurs, particularly in relation to business start-up and growth.