This paper examines the factors influencing the perception of women entrepreneurs in Felda on downstream activities. The perception of women entrepreneurs at ten Felda land schemes was evaluated using a questionnaire. The data were then analysed by a structural equation model (SEM). To date, women’s involvement in entrepreneurship is still low, and the government seeks to produce more women entrepreneurs by implementing various programmes to ensure success. To do this, the perception of women towards downstream activities needs to be determined prior to starting a business. This perception must be reinforced as it affects the entrepreneur’s desire to start a business. The paper concludes that youth development is the main factor that influences women entrepreneurs’ perception towards downstream activities, and subsequently influences the decision to start a business. Based on the results, several proposals need to be implemented, namely, encouragement and guidance to young entrepreneurs, creation of more job opportunities, employment of new technology in business operations, and provision of courses or training for potential entrepreneurs, in order to gain good perception from the women.

Keywords: perception, downstream activities, women entrepreneurs, Felda, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).