Bridging Gender Gaps in Entrepreneurship: A Conceptual Model for Tailored Digital Support Mechanisms

Women’s entrepreneurship represents a significant driver of economic, social, and technological development. However, female entrepreneurs often face structural, social, and contextual barriers that limit their access to resources, professional networks, and entrepreneurial opportunities. To address these challenges, this study adopts an integrative literature review and conceptual synthesis to examine how digital support mechanisms can be designed to better meet the specific needs of women entrepreneurs. Based on the analysis of prior research, the study develops an integrative conceptual framework linking women entrepreneurs’ individual and contextual characteristics with four key digital support mechanisms: modular digital training, personalized mentoring, specialized digital platforms, and inclusive virtual communities. The framework highlights the role of moderating factors such as personalization, accessibility, continuous support, and participatory feedback in shaping the effectiveness of these mechanisms. By emphasizing a user-centered socioconstructivist perspective, the model explains how digital mechanisms can foster skill development, entrepreneurial empowerment, and the expansion of digital social capital. The study provides a theoretical contribution by integrating fragmented research streams on women’s entrepreneurship and digital support mechanisms, while also offering practical implications for policymakers and entrepreneurial support organizations seeking to design more inclusive and effective digital support programs.