Sustainable entrepreneurship, social capital and entrepreneurship education: do they effect women’s sustainable well-being? A moderated-mediated analysis

Purpose This study aims to explore how social capital (SC) influences the enhancement of sustainable well-being (SWB) for rural women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the study has also explored the mediating influence of sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) in the relationship between SC and SWB and explored entrepreneurship education (EE) as a moderator in the relationship between the independent and mediating variable. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a primary survey involving 333 women entrepreneurs from self-help groups within the Indian context, chosen through a multistage random sampling method. “Structural equation modelling (SEM)” has been used to empirically investigate the impact of SC and SE on the promotion of SWB. Findings The findings indicate that SWB is significantly influenced by SC, with SE serving as a partial mediator in this relationship. In addition, EE also serves as a significant moderating variable among SC and SE. Practical implications The findings offer practical recommendations for decision-makers and development organisations to develop focused initiatives that enhance social relationships and promote sustainable business practices among marginalised women. Originality/value This study presents a unique contribution by analysing the impact of participation in SHGs and the role of SC in enhancing their entrepreneurial performance and overall well-being.