How strong network ties in service clubs can create business opportunities for women entrepreneurs

In this chapter, we examine the role of service clubs in facilitating women entrepreneurs. Research emphasizes gender barriers and limited social capital faced by women entrepreneurs when accessing resources. Women favour strong ties over weak ties, due to their foundation in trust and close-knit relationships. Therefore, service clubs could be conducive for women entrepreneurs since they are renowned for high levels of trust and diverse ties among members. Yet, this pattern has been underexplored in the literature. Through an examination of women entrepreneurs’ experiences within service clubs, we explore how membership serves as a route to accessing resources. Findings reveal the role of service clubs in cultivating strong ties for their members, promoting member equality, fostering open business discussions, and leveraging expansive member networks for business prospects. Given the alignment of service clubs with women entrepreneurs’ networking preferences, it is relevant to replicate the nature of these networks to other business networking contexts.