Etude Economie Conseil (2016). Finance and Gender Issues Survey Barbados: 2011. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/f4dg9niv

1. English

What is the Finance and Gender Issues Survey?

The Finance and Gender Issues Survey is a follow-up to the 2010 Enterprise Survey conducted in Barbados. It examines how gender influences access to finance and firm performance among Barbadian business owners, offering unique insights into entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.

What kind of data does this dataset include?

This dataset includes firm-level information on:
- Gender ownership of businesses
- Firm characteristics such as age, size, and sector
- Sources of financing and use of credit
- Financial constraints and investment behavior
- Business outcomes like employment, sales, and profitability

Why is this dataset important?

The dataset helps identify gender gaps in business ownership and access to finance in Barbados. Policymakers and researchers can use this data to design interventions that promote equitable opportunities for both men and women entrepreneurs.

Who are the Barbados business owners represented in this dataset?

The dataset covers a wide range of enterprises — from micro and small firms to medium-sized businesses — owned or managed by both male and female entrepreneurs across key economic sectors in Barbados.

How can policymakers and researchers use this data?

Users can:
- Analyze how gender affects financial inclusion and business outcomes.
- Compare financing patterns between male- and female-owned firms.
- Study the impact of access to credit on firm growth.
- Inform policy decisions to improve entrepreneurship support systems.

What period does the data cover?

The data was collected between 2010 and 2011, making it a valuable reference for understanding business finance conditions and gender ownership patterns in the post-recession recovery period.

Where can I find supporting documentation and survey materials?

The dataset package includes technical documentation and survey questionnaires that explain variable definitions, methodology, and data collection procedures. These materials are available in the accompanying ZIP file under the “Documentation” folder.

Who conducted and financed the survey?

The survey was implemented in Barbados with financing and technical support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It forms part of the IDB’s broader effort to understand the role of gender in entrepreneurship and access to finance in the Caribbean.

How can the data help improve gender equity in finance?

By analyzing patterns in business ownership and credit access, the dataset provides evidence to inform the development of inclusive financial policies that support women entrepreneurs, expand credit access, and enhance economic participation across Barbados.