Женское предпринимательство в Республике Беларусь как основа развития малого и среднего предпринимательства

Goal – the purpose of this article is to generalize theoretical approaches to determining the specifics of women’s entrepreneurship, to form a portrait of a modern woman in business, to identify barriers to the development of women’s entrepreneurship and ways of its development. Research methodology – in the main part, the analysis of economic sectors, which modern women prefer when choosing a field of activity, is carried out. A comparative analysis was carried out and the distinctive features of enterprises run by men and women were identified. Score/results – the positive experience of conducting women’s business in Poland, which can be successfully used to improve and develop women’s entrepreneurship in Belarus, is revealed. Options for improving the current situation, aimed at the development of women’s entrepreneurship, are proposed. Originality/value – the article deals with the formation and development of women’s business as a basis for the activation of small and medium‑sized businesses in the Republic of Belarus. The features of the activities of enterprises run by women are revealed, and the strengths and weaknesses in their work are highlighted.