Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the impact of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on different levels of the women’s empowerment. The study used the statistical analysis that is based on secondary data obtained from “Kafala” initiative as one of the supporting agencies for SMEs in the Kingdom. The study also used qualitative approach based on interviewing 20 Saudi female entrepreneurs from different regions in the Kingdom. Findings indicated that women in Saudi Arabia are driven by psychological and material motives when establishing new business. Results also showed that supported ventures mostly contribute to the personal and economic empowerment for female entrepreneurs with a positive response exceeding 50% in all indicators. Results also showed modest evidence of the impact of SMEs on social empowerment with a positive response below the 50% in all indicators.