The Contribution of Digital Entrepreneurial Competence to the Business Growth of Women-Owned SMEs in the Fashion Industry in Yogyakarta

The rapid growth of digital technology has significantly reshaped the business landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For women entrepreneurs, particularly those in the creative fashion industry, digital competence is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of competitiveness and sustainability. This study aims to examine the contribution of digital entrepreneurial competence to the business growth of women-owned SMEs in the fashion sector in Yogyakarta. A quantitative research design with a survey method was employed, involving 120 respondents who own and manage fashion SMEs. Data were collected through structured questionnaires measuring four dimensions of digital entrepreneurial competence—digital literacy, digital innovation, online networking, and digital tools utilization alongside indicators of business growth, including sales performance, customer base expansion, and brand recognition. The data were analyzed using multiple regression techniques. The findings reveal that digital entrepreneurial competence has a significant positive effect on business growth, with digital tools utilization and digital literacy emerging as the strongest predictors. The regression model explains 62% of the variance in business growth, suggesting that digital competence is a critical driver of success for women-owned SMEs. These results highlight the importance of strengthening digital capabilities through training programs, capacity-building initiatives, and supportive policies tailored to women entrepreneurs. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of digital skills in SME development and offers practical recommendations for enhancing women’s participation in the digital economy.