The concept of entrepreneurship has gained worldwide popularity in recent years. Women are becoming entrepreneurs at a faster rate as compared to men. It is estimated that women entrepreneurs presently comprise 10% of the total number of entrepreneurs in India, and this figure is found to be increasing every year. If the prevailing trend continues, it is likely that in another five years, women will comprise 20% of the entrepreneurial force. The women-owned enterprises in India have increased to 7%, with Tamil Nadu recording the highest growth of 18%. With this background, the research examines the motivating factors of women entrepreneurs in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. The various motivators were categorized into `Pull' and `Push' factors. The study uses a descriptive research model, with the help of non-probability sampling design and a convenience method for sampling data collection. Data were collected from 47 respondents. It was found that many of the women entrepreneurs in this study were motivated by the `pull' factors.

The concept of entrepreneurship has gained considerable popularity around the globe in recent years. Women entrepreneurs are the key players in any developing economy, particularly in terms of their contribution to economic development (Anita H S and Laxmisha A S, 1999). Today, women own more than 25 percent of all the businesses (Arul Jothi P), in advanced market economies. Women are becoming entrepreneurs at a faster rate as compared to men (Renzulli et al.). The emergence of women entrepreneurs and their significant contribution to the economy is now visible in India and the benefits can be seen (Deikun, 2005). Shahnaz Hussain (Beauty Products), Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biotechnology), Neena Malhotra (Exports), Yamutai Kirloskar (Maruti Udyog Ltd.), Hema Ravichander (HR Consultant) and Sumati Morarji (Shipping Corporation) are some exemplary women among successful and accomplished entrepreneurs in our country (Khanka, 2004).