Determinants of Entrepreneurial Readiness among Nepalese Youth

Authors

Keywords:

Access to finance, business training, entrepreneurial readiness, gender differences, self-efficacy, youth entrepreneurship

Abstract

Purpose: Entrepreneurial readiness is a key driver of youth entrepreneurship and economic growth. This study examines the factors influencing entrepreneurial readiness among Nepalese youth, with particular emphasis on entrepreneurship education, business training, access to finance, family business background, risk-taking attitude, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research design was employed, using convenience and snowball sampling techniques to collect data from 465 respondents aged 16–40 years. Ordinal logistic regression assessed the relationship between predictors and entrepreneurial readiness.

Findings: All factors significantly influenced readiness, with access to finance and business training as the strongest predictors. Gender differences emerged, with women showing higher readiness than men.

Implications: Policy interventions should expand financial access, strengthen business training, and promote inclusivity, particularly empowering women in Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence on determinants of entrepreneurial readiness in Nepal, highlighting the combined role of institutional, behavioural, and socio-economic factors.

JEL Classification: L26, M13, I25, O53, J16

Author Biography

Rheet Rijal, Mid-West University School of Management, Surkhet, Nepal

Ms. Rheet Rijal is an Assistant Professor at the School of Management, Mid-West University, Surkhet, Nepal. She is an academic, researcher, and HR professional whose research interests encompass management, human resource management, entrepreneurship, organisational development, and policy research.

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Published

2026-09-04

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Research Articles