Empowering women entrepreneurs is essential for fostering economic growth, innovation, and social progress. Women-owned businesses contribute significantly to the global economy, yet many women still face substantial barriers to entrepreneurship.
In this article we will offer you ten effective strategies to empower women entrepreneurs, from understanding their importance to leveraging education and building robust support networks. We also included practical insights and real-life examples to inspire and guide women on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Let’s first check the challenges women entrepreneurs are faced with.
- 1 The 7 Key Challenges Faced by Women in Business Worldwide
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2 10 Effective Strategies to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
- 2.1 1. Access to Capital: The Key to Growth
- 2.2 2. Mentorship and Networking: Building Strong Connections
- 2.3 3. Skill Development: Empowering with Knowledge
- 2.4 4. Inclusive Policies: Creating a Level Playing Field
- 2.5 5. Visibility and Recognition: Shining a Spotlight on Success
- 2.6 6. Access to Markets: Opening New Opportunities
- 2.7 7. Technology and Innovation: Leveraging the Digital Age
- 2.8 8. Supportive Ecosystem: Building Stronger Networks
- 2.9 9. Advocacy and Representation: Amplifying Women’s Voices
- 2.10 10. Cultural Change: Shifting Mindsets for Long-Term Success
- 3 Growth of Women-Owned Businesses in the U.S. and Worldwide
- 4 Understanding the Importance of Women Entrepreneurs
- 5 Leveraging Education and Training for Empowerment
- 6 Building Strong Networks and Support Systems
The 7 Key Challenges Faced by Women in Business Worldwide
Women entrepreneurs drive significant economic growth, yet systemic barriers hinder their success. These challenges, rooted in structural inequalities and cultural norms, require targeted strategies like improved access to capital, mentorship, and policy reform to overcome. Below are the primary obstacles, illustrated with data and regional insights.
Women-owned SMEs are often excluded from global supply chains and export markets, capping revenue potential. In Asia, only 19% of women-owned businesses in South Korea engage in exports, compared to higher rates for men-led firms.
In short these are the issues:
1. Limited Access to Capital
Women face a $1.5 trillion global financing deficit, receiving only a fraction of venture capital compared to men. For instance, women of color in tech, face stark funding disparities, limiting their ability to scale businesses.
In Africa, only 15% of women have formal financial accounts (vs. 23% for men), while Middle Eastern women encounter legal restrictions on property ownership, reducing loan collateral options.
2. Gender-Based Discrimination
Cultural stereotypes and biases, affecting 31% of young women entrepreneurs, create obstacles in funding and client interactions. In South Asia, norms restricting women’s mobility and decision-making further curb entrepreneurial opportunities.
These biases perpetuate male-dominated networks, undermining women’s confidence and resource access.
3. Lack of Networks and Mentorship
48% of women entrepreneurs lack mentors or role models, as noted by Sheryl Sandberg in Lean In, which emphasizes mentorship’s role in career advancement. In Europe, women-led tech startups (28% of founders) struggle to access investor networks, hindering growth.
4. Work-Life Balance Pressures
Balancing business and family responsibilities challenges 23% of women entrepreneurs, with 26% reporting heightened stress. In Latin America, where women own 50% of SMEs, societal expectations amplify caregiving burdens, risking burnout and reduced productivity.
5. Legal and Policy Barriers
Discriminatory laws in 94% of economies, such as restrictions on financial accounts or property ownership, impede business operations. In the Middle East (e.g., Yemen, 7% female ownership), women often need male consent to conduct business.
6. Digital and Technical Skills Gap
Limited access to digital training restricts women’s competitiveness, despite their 2x higher likelihood of using digital tools when trained. In Sub-Saharan Africa, infrastructure and education gaps exacerbate this challenge.
7. Market and Supply Chain Exclusion
Women-owned SMEs are often excluded from global supply chains and export markets, capping revenue potential. In Asia, only 19% of women-owned businesses in South Korea engage in exports, compared to higher rates for men-led firms.
The below table summarizes the major barriers with supporting statistics, underscoring the need for strategies like financing reform, mentorship, and policy advocacy to empower women entrepreneurs.
| Challenge | Impact | Statistic | Regional Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Access to Capital | Restricts scalability | $1.5T financing deficit | Africa: 15% women with financial accounts |
| Gender Discrimination | Undermines opportunities | 31% face bias | South Asia: Mobility restrictions |
| Lack of Mentorship | Hinders growth | 48% lack role models | Europe: Limited tech networks |
| Work-Life Balance | Risks burnout | 23% struggle with family duties | Latin America: Caregiving burdens |
| Legal Barriers | Limits operations | 94% of economies have discriminatory laws | Middle East: Male consent requirements |
| Digital Skills Gap | Reduces competitiveness | 2x tool use if trained | Sub-Saharan Africa: Infrastructure gaps |
| Market Exclusion | Caps revenue | Low export participation | Asia: 19% women-led exports in South Korea |
10 Effective Strategies to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
1. Access to Capital: The Key to Growth
Issue: Women entrepreneurs often struggle to secure the funding they need to grow their businesses. Traditional financial products and investment channels don’t always cater to the unique challenges faced by women, such as gender bias and lower levels of collateral.
Solution: Develop and promote tailored financial products and services, such as microloans, venture capital funds focused on female-led startups, and grants specifically designed for women entrepreneurs.
Example: The Women’s Venture Fund offers microloans and investment options specifically for women-owned businesses. Similarly, organizations like Golden Seeds provide venture capital funding exclusively to female entrepreneurs, helping bridge the gap in financial access.
2. Mentorship and Networking: Building Strong Connections
Issue: Many women lack access to experienced mentors and networks that can provide critical guidance, support, and opportunities. This isolation can slow their business growth and limit their access to key resources.
Solution: Facilitate connections between emerging women entrepreneurs and successful female business leaders through mentorship programs and networking events. These programs should cater to various stages of the entrepreneurial journey, from startup advice to scaling businesses.
Example: Programs like SCORE’s Mentorship for Women Entrepreneurs and WEConnect International offer mentorship opportunities and networking platforms specifically designed to help women entrepreneurs connect with industry leaders and peers.
3. Skill Development: Empowering with Knowledge
Issue: Women often face gaps in essential business skills, which can limit their potential in highly competitive markets. Areas such as financial literacy, digital marketing, leadership, and negotiation are critical but frequently underdeveloped.
Solution: Implement comprehensive training programs that focus on building these essential business skills. Workshops, online courses, and certification programs should be accessible and tailored to meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs.
Example: Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women initiative offers free online business education to women entrepreneurs globally, covering topics like finance, operations, and leadership. Additionally, organizations like She Leads Africa offer digital marketing boot camps and business skill workshops specifically targeted at African women.
4. Inclusive Policies: Creating a Level Playing Field
Issue: Women entrepreneurs often face significant challenges balancing business with personal responsibilities, exacerbated by a lack of supportive policies. Discriminatory practices and policies that do not accommodate these challenges can hinder their business growth.
Solution: Advocate for and implement inclusive policies such as paid parental leave, flexible working conditions, and robust anti-discrimination laws. These policies help women manage their dual roles and create an environment where their entrepreneurial efforts can thrive.
Example: Countries like Sweden and Canada offer progressive parental leave policies that support both mothers and fathers, allowing women entrepreneurs to continue managing their businesses while raising a family. Additionally, companies like Salesforce have introduced flexible working policies that help all employees, including women entrepreneurs, balance work and personal life.
5. Visibility and Recognition: Shining a Spotlight on Success
Issue: Women’s achievements in entrepreneurship are often overlooked or undervalued, which can perpetuate stereotypes and discourage others from pursuing similar paths.
Solution: Promote female entrepreneurs through awards, media coverage, and public speaking opportunities. Highlighting success stories can inspire other women to start or scale their businesses and normalize women’s achievements in the business world.
Example: The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards recognize and support female entrepreneurs globally, offering them not just financial support but also media exposure. Similarly, platforms like Forbes and Inc. regularly feature lists such as “Top Women Entrepreneurs” to bring attention to successful women in business.
6. Access to Markets: Opening New Opportunities
Issue: Many women entrepreneurs struggle to enter new markets due to a lack of resources, knowledge, and support. This limits their growth potential and revenue opportunities.
Solution: Support initiatives that help women access both domestic and international markets. Provide resources that guide them through market research, export regulations, and forming strategic partnerships.
Example: WEConnect International helps women-owned businesses connect with multinational corporations for contract opportunities, opening new markets for their products and services. Similarly, programs like SheTrades by the International Trade Centre aim to connect three million women entrepreneurs to international markets by 2021.
7. Technology and Innovation: Leveraging the Digital Age
Issue: Women-led businesses often lag behind in adopting technology, limiting their ability to scale and innovate. This digital divide can prevent them from fully capitalizing on the potential of the digital economy.
Solution: Encourage women entrepreneurs to leverage technology by providing access to tech tools, platforms, and training that can streamline operations and open new revenue streams. Support programs that focus on digital literacy and the application of innovative technologies in business.
Example: Google’s Women Techmakers program offers resources, visibility, and community support for women in technology. Additionally, Facebook’s SheMeansBusiness initiative provides digital training to women entrepreneurs globally, helping them build their online presence and scale their businesses through social media.
8. Supportive Ecosystem: Building Stronger Networks
Issue: Women entrepreneurs frequently lack access to supportive ecosystems that connect them with investors, customers, and other essential stakeholders. This isolation can hinder their growth and reduce their business opportunities.
Solution: Create and nurture ecosystems that specifically cater to the needs of female entrepreneurs. This includes establishing incubators, accelerators, and networking groups that provide access to funding, mentoring, and markets.
Example: The Tory Burch Foundation offers a fellowship program that includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to capital for women entrepreneurs. Similarly, Women’s Startup Lab is an accelerator designed to support female entrepreneurs through coaching, workshops, and investor introductions.
9. Advocacy and Representation: Amplifying Women’s Voices
Issue: Women are underrepresented in business associations, boards, and policymaking bodies, which limits their influence on decisions that shape the business landscape.
Solution: Increase women’s representation in these areas to ensure their voices are heard and their perspectives are included in decision-making processes. Advocate for greater inclusion of women in leadership roles within industry organizations and government bodies.
Example: Organizations like The Boardlist aim to increase the representation of women on corporate boards by connecting qualified female candidates with companies seeking diverse leadership. Similarly, Lean In Circles empower women to advocate for themselves and each other in professional environments.
10. Cultural Change: Shifting Mindsets for Long-Term Success
Issue: Cultural stereotypes and norms often discourage women from pursuing entrepreneurial ventures or can limit their potential once they do start a business.
Solution: Challenge these cultural barriers through education, media campaigns, and community initiatives that empower women to pursue and succeed in business. Promote stories and role models that break traditional gender norms and encourage a more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial environment.
Example: Campaigns like UN Women’s #HeForShe engage both men and women in promoting gender equality, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for a cultural shift. Additionally, media initiatives like #SeeHer aim to accurately portray women and girls in media, inspiring future generations to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Growth of Women-Owned Businesses in the U.S. and Worldwide
In the U.S. we see an exponential growth of women-owned businesses. It supports strategies like improving access to funding and fostering inclusive ecosystems to sustain this momentum, particularly for women of color who drive significant growth.
| Metric | 1972 | 2019 | 2023 | Growth (1972–2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Women-Owned Businesses | 402,000 | 12.9 million | 14 million | 3,382% |
| Employment (Million) | 0.23 | 9.4 | 10.1 | 4,291% |
| Revenue ($ Trillion) | 0.0081 | 1.9 | 3.9 | 48,048% |
| Share of All U.S. Businesses (%) | 4.6 | 42 | 39.1 | 750% |
When we look at women’s entrepreneurship globally by continent, we clearly see some regional disparities and growth trends.
| Continent | Share of Women-Owned Businesses (%) | Growth Trends & Key Metrics | Example Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 39–42 (U.S.) | 21% growth (2014–2019); 13.6% (2019–2023) | U.S. (14M firms, $3.9T revenue) |
| Latin America & Caribbean | ~50 | High startup rates; necessity-driven growth | Micronesia (87%), Guatemala |
| Europe | 20–30 | 28% of startups with female founders (2020); Eastern/Central Europe leads tech startups | Poland, Lithuania |
| Asia | 19–87 | Established business ownership up from 4.2% to 5.9% (1999–2023) | South Korea (19%), Thailand (high) |
| Africa | 30–40 | 1/3 of SMEs women-owned; high informal sector participation | Nigeria, Tunisia (49%) |
| Middle East | 7–49 | Growth in high-potential ventures; legal barriers persist | Yemen (7%), Saudi Arabia |
| Oceania | Limited data | High startup activity in low-income areas | Australia, New Zealand |
Understanding the Importance of Women Entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in driving economic development and creating job opportunities. Their businesses often contribute to a diverse and inclusive market, fostering innovation and addressing unique consumer needs. For instance, Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, revolutionized the shapewear industry, showcasing how women entrepreneurs can lead transformative change in various sectors.
Moreover, women-owned businesses tend to invest more in their communities, promoting social welfare and sustainability. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, women reinvest up to 90% of their income back into their families and communities, compared to 30-40% by men. This reinvestment helps improve education, healthcare, and overall quality of life, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Finally, empowering women entrepreneurs can help bridge the gender gap in the business world. By supporting women in their entrepreneurial endeavors, societies can move towards gender parity, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to succeed and lead. This not only benefits women but also contributes to a more equitable and prosperous society.
Leveraging Education and Training for Empowerment
Education and training are vital tools for empowering women entrepreneurs. Programs that offer business education, financial literacy, and leadership skills can equip women with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed. For example, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative provides women entrepreneurs around the world with business and management education.
In addition to formal education, practical training workshops and online courses can also be highly beneficial. Platforms like Coursera and edX offer a wide range of courses tailored to women in business, covering topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance. These resources enable women to learn at their own pace and apply their knowledge directly to their businesses.
Mentorship programs are another effective way to leverage education for empowerment. Pairing aspiring women entrepreneurs with experienced mentors provides them with guidance, support, and valuable insights. Organizations like SCORE offer free mentoring services to small business owners, helping women navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Building Strong Networks and Support Systems
Strong networks and support systems are critical for the success of women entrepreneurs. Networking events, industry conferences, and professional associations provide opportunities for women to connect, share experiences, and build relationships. For example, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) hosts annual conferences that bring together women entrepreneurs from various industries.
Online communities and social media platforms also play a significant role in building support systems. Groups like Women Who Startup on platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook offer spaces where women can seek advice, share resources, and celebrate each other’s successes. These virtual networks can be especially valuable for women in remote or underserved areas.
Finally, creating supportive family and community environments is essential. Encouraging family members and communities to support women’s entrepreneurial ambitions can help alleviate some of the societal pressures and biases they face. Initiatives like SheTrades, launched by the International Trade Centre, aim to connect women entrepreneurs to markets and foster a supportive ecosystem.
Empowering women entrepreneurs requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the unique challenges they face and leverages their strengths. We can create an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive. These strategies not only benefit individual women but also contribute to broader economic and social progress.
