Entrepreneurial motivation has been one psychological factor that determines the success of MSMEs as it interacts with external factors. However, this has been scarcely studied in relation to women and the success of MSMEs. This study aims to analyze the effects of motivation and external factors on the success of women running MSMEs in the province of Jambi, Indonesia. A survey research methodology through the distribution of questionnaires on the motivation scale and the success of the MSMEs scale that were constructed by the authors was applied. The rating scale of the questionnaires was rated on a five-point Likert scale. A total of 325 women running MSMEs in Jambi City were given and returned the questionnaires. The results showed that motivation, which is comprised of self-confidence, risk-taking, results-orientedness, intelligence, and skills, has a significant effect on the success of MSMEs. Meanwhile, the success of MSMEs is significantly more affected by time and length of effort than loans or funds due to the decreasing trend of demand for goods and services.

Disability inclusion is important to ensure everybody has the same opportunities in society, which is critical in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are one of the marginalized communities and most of them are living in poverty. Disabilities encounter many challenges internally and externally due to their disabilities. They are struggling to keep their jobs due to their own self-confidence and social stigma and entrepreneurship is said to be the best option for PWDs to gain economic liberation. However, many PWDs still depend on government assistance and public donations instead of starting their own business. This study investigates the mediating effect of entrepreneurial motivation on the relationship between internal and external factors of PWDs’ perceptions of entrepreneurship in Malaysia. A quantitative approach to the survey was carried out. A sample of seventy-seven PWDs was gathered using face-to-face and online surveys through purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using structural equation modelling. The results show that only internal factors influence PWDs’ entrepreneurial personal perception. Entrepreneurial motivation plays a crucial mediating role in the relationship between internal and external factors and entrepreneurial personal perception. The study is helpful for the relevant parties to assist PWDs in becoming financially independent through entrepreneurship by focusing more on their internal strengths. Proper training and coaching assist PWDs in being more resilient when facing adversity.