Rise of women business owners

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of women starting their own businesses, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. According to recent data, female entrepreneurs created a record number of new businesses in the UK last year, launching 151,603 companies in 2022, up from 145,271 in 2021.

Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of the economic climate, women are showing remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. This trend is particularly significant as women only make up 20% of company bosses according to a new report by MarkMeets, highlighting the barriers and obstacles that women entrepreneurs have historically faced.

The rise of female entrepreneurship can be attributed to a variety of factors. For one, there is a growing recognition of the value that diversity and inclusion bring to the business world. Studies have shown that companies with diverse leadership teams outperform those without, both financially and in terms of innovation.

Additionally, there is a growing awareness of the unique challenges that women face in the workplace, including gender discrimination, unequal pay, and lack of representation in leadership positions. Many women are turning to entrepreneurship as a way to take control of their careers and create a work environment that aligns with their values and priorities.

Despite this growth, women entrepreneurs still face significant barriers when it comes to securing funding and accessing resources. The gender funding gap is well-documented, with women-led businesses receiving a disproportionately small share of venture capital and other types of financing.

However, there are efforts underway to address these issues and support women entrepreneurs. Initiatives such as the Rose Review, which aims to improve access to funding and resources for women-led businesses, are working to create a more level playing field for women in business.

On the rise of female entrepreneurship, “It’s a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurialism of female founders that they are creating more companies than ever before. By listening closely to entrepreneurs and acting on what they tell us, we will provide backing to help them grow their networks, secure finance, and achieve their goals.”

The rise of female entrepreneurship is a positive trend that has the potential to bring significant benefits to the economy and society as a whole. By supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs, we can create a more diverse, innovative, and prosperous business landscape.