PROFILE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN HEALTHCARE SETOR: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

This paper aim to identify the main characteristics of the women entrepreneur's profile in healthcare setor. It's an exploratory study that emerged from the qualitative study supported by semi-strutured interviews to women in a northern Portuguese town. Using the interview technique, we collected data about women entrepreneurs in healthcare setor, which were analysed quantitatively (descriptive statistics) and qualitatively (content analysis) giving rise to an exploratory and descriptive study. As results we may summarize that women entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector in a Portugal town are successful; their motivations were a combination of factors (e.g. training in the area, personal recognition and economic needs); obstacles have been identified; the work-family balance is not a limiting factor for their business; institutional support did not affect the start-up of the business and these womens entrepreneurs do not feel discriminated. In the expressions of the entrepreneurs they showed self-confidence and self-realization, energy and perseverance. The elaboration of this study will contribute to enriching knowledge about the profile of women entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector, their motivations and obstacles.