Holland, Mike2026-03-232026-03-232026-05-052025*A2025http://hdl.handle.net/2263/109154Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2025.This research investigated how microfinance supported financial inclusion among rural entrepreneurs in South Africa. Due to factors such as gender inequality, income instability, and insufficient financial literacy, adoption among rural business owners has been inconsistent despite the expansion of microfinance institutions. The study sought to determine how these factors shaped the use of microfinance services, and how this engagement contributed to enterprise stability and inclusive growth. A quantitative, cross-sectional approach was applied, using survey data from 200 rural entrepreneurs analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression. Microfinance adoption was the dependent variable, while gender, family income, and financial literacy were the independent variables. The results showed that financial literacy had the strongest positive effect, and gender had a moderate influence on microfinance adoption. Household income was not statistically significant. These findings indicated that financial inclusion depended more on knowledge, confidence, and institutional support than on income levels. The study concluded that empowering rural entrepreneurs through financial education and gender-responsive programmes could strengthen participation in formal finance and enhance the sustainability of small-scale enterprises in South Africa.en© 2025 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.UCTDFinancial inclusionMicrofinance adoptionRural entrepreneursFinancial literacyIncomeGenderMini Dissertationu23032236