Kiwi entrepreneurs are taking flight – well the male of the species anyhow. According to a survey just released by global workplace provider Regus, 82 percent of New Zealand business professionals reported an increase in all types of entrepreneurs in the past five years. But, the research also shows that businesses perceive a lack of growth in the number of women in entrepreneurial roles. Only seven percent of respondents reported an increase in female entrepreneurs.
Regus NZ Country Manager, Nick Bradshaw, concedes that the survey finding is only a perception and might, therefore, be wrong. “We have quite a long road ahead in terms of shifting perceptions around female kiwi entrepreneurs which will only work with the country’s full support,” he says. “Businesses should be promoting all types of entrepreneurialism, particularly amongst women, in order to help turn things around and to foster innovation.”
Other key findings from kiwi respondents show:
- 35 percent reported formal innovation programmes as a key innovation driver
- 13 percent saw a rise amongst serial entrepreneurs
The research canvassed the views of more than 19,000 senior business people and owners in 98 countries.
