Breaking barriers for women entrepreneurs
I’m so pleased to see Virgin StartUp announce a brilliant commitment to fund just as many businesses founded by women as men by the end of 2020.
I’ve always been fascinated by entrepreneurship and what it takes for the human mind to spark a brilliant idea and turn it into a business. Unfortunately though, it’s concerning to hear about the barriers facing women entrepreneurs, in the UK and beyond. The UK government recently announced a review into the challenges that women face in starting and growing a business after statistics found that only one in five British businesses is run by a woman.
Closing this gender gap presents such a huge opportunity and could generate a staggering ￡250 billion to the UK’s economy. In such turbulent economic and political times, women founding businesses could be one of the greatest economic opportunities of our generation.
It’s really encouraging to see the conversation around this issue evolve and the gender gap in start-up funding being addressed. Women should have the same opportunities and support to start a business and thrive.
Currently, 41 per cent of the entrepreneurs that Virgin StartUp funds and supports are women. This is double the national average and it’s encouraging to see them go a step further today, set a precedent for all investors and hopefully create an industry-wide shift. In my mind, the most important part of the Virgin StartUp initiative is that it goes beyond funding to include a whole range of support including specialist business advice, guidance and mentoring. To truly close the gap, it’s vital to understand and address the core barriers that women are faced with all throughout their start up story and look at ways to support them. Childcare was listed as the number one barrier currently faced by women in business, so the Virgin StartUp strategy will include online courses to allow women remote access masterclasses and the ability to upskill form home.
I’m so excited to see the steps being made to break down these barriers and give women starting businesses the opportunity to thrive.
What changes would you like to see occur in this space? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
--
4 年You go Lady's ??
Grower at medical marijuana
5 年we got top shelf bud, crush and cartridges contact on Snapchat for real and legit deal with proofs Add me on Snapchat! Username.....Kushblog
I help insurance brokers grow their pipeline and generate more leads with the opportunity to grow their team with the possibility of becoming a six figure earner in the insurance industry
5 年If only it was about the right person getting the right jobs I guess for me as a women with a disability breaking down the perception that I am not good at anything was hard I now have a successful business and have been in business for over 9 years
Owner- Willow Scott Agency/ Ava Scott Designs
5 年I agree! I am a woman business owner and my business is for transwomen and it is even harder. Nobody wants to hear a pitch by a woman for a group of "new" women that they don't understand.
Acquisition and development of real estate projects through innovative designs, new build and renovations in Belgium???? and Spain????.
5 年Proficiat!!!