TY - CHAP AB - Purpose The aim of this chapter is to evidence the requirements for successfully facilitating female entrepreneurship in rural areas.Methodology Using a case study approach based on WiRE, the chapter outlines the practical support that has evolved from research into the complexities of supporting women’s rural business activity. It provides a brief history of the WiRE organisation and presents the findings of a UK West Midlands European Social Fund sponsored project.Findings Female rural entrepreneurs contribute to the regional economy; however, practical business support needs often become blurred with personal demands, such as caring roles, particularly with respect to farm-based enterprises.Research limitations Findings are concentrated around one regional case study. Further research could make comparisons across a range of similar projects.Practical implications The case study highlights the importance of location and circumstance in the development of FREs. It provides a clear research-based template for both rural policy makers and support agencies that should be used to inform the design of future supports for FREs.Social implications FREs are important to the rural economy and have a valuable contribution to make to economic development, both in terms of wealth creation and employment. However, the complexity of circumstantial, community and family factors affects the success of support offerings, highlighting the need for plaiting support.Originality/value WiRE is the only ongoing support organisation for FREs. There is a paucity of research around support to FREs, which this chapter aims to rectify. VL - 4 SN - 978-1-78441-109-1, 978-1-78441-112-1/2040-7246 DO - 10.1108/S2040-724620140000004010 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/S2040-724620140000004010 AU - Warren-Smith Izzy PY - 2014 Y1 - 2014/01/01 TI - Supporting Female Rural Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise) T2 - Exploring Rural Enterprise: New Perspectives On Research, Policy & Practice T3 - Contemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship Research PB - Emerald Group Publishing Limited SP - 215 EP - 232 Y2 - 2024/03/28 ER -