Empowering Female Entrepreneurship through Global Partnerships and Smart Finance: Highlights from the WBAF GWLC Webinar

In a world where female entrepreneurship is rapidly growing, building supportive ecosystems that provide global partnerships, mentorship, and inclusive financing is more important than ever. The World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) WBAF Global Women Leaders Committee (GWLC) Incubator & Accelerator Partnerships Sub-Committee recently hosted a powerful webinar that brought together global leaders committed to breaking down barriers and fostering growth for women entrepreneurs. Moderated by Shelli Brunswick , President of the Sub-Committee, this event highlighted actionable insights emphasizing the transformative power of collaboration, access, and strategic support.

Sub-Committee Mission and Vision

With a vision to empower female-led startups across borders, the WBAF GWLC Incubator & Accelerator Partnerships Sub-Committee seeks to connect women entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities worldwide. The Sub-Committee focuses on creating an equitable environment for women in business, driving sustainable growth, and promoting gender equity.

Key Objectives:

1. Strategic Partnerships: Forge alliances with incubators and accelerators worldwide.
2. Visibility and Awareness: Amplify awareness of the unique challenges facing women entrepreneurs.
3. Resource Mobilization: Ensure access to financial support, mentorship, and training.
4. Impact Measurement: Regularly evaluate and refine initiatives for meaningful progress.

Inspiring Insights from Global Leaders

Lucy Chow : The Power of Collective Action

Lucy Chow, Secretary General of the GWLC, set the tone with a rallying call for collaborative action. She highlighted that supporting women entrepreneurs extends beyond financial resources to creating an environment where they can thrive, innovate, and impact their communities.

“When we unite to uplift women entrepreneurs, we’re investing in a more inclusive, resilient global economy,” Lucy shared.

Dr Muhammad Sharif : ICESCO ’s Impactful Programs and Upcoming Initiatives

Dr. Muhammad Sharif presented ICESCO’s Accelerator Program, which spans 22 countries and provides critical support to women entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of cross-border partnerships in equipping women with the resources, mentorship, and skills needed to build resilient businesses. Dr. Sharif also shared exciting upcoming ICESCO initiatives, which will expand training, networking, and empowerment opportunities for female entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and beyond.

“Our programs are designed to not only provide resources but also foster transformative growth within communities. ICESCO is here to enable women entrepreneurs to make a lasting impact,” Dr. Sharif explained.

Datin Malliga Subramaniam : Building a Network of Female Angel Investors

Datin Malliga shared her work in Southeast Asia to encourage women to become angel investors. She emphasized that female investors bring a unique perspective, empathy, and understanding, creating an investment environment that truly nurtures women-led businesses.

“When women invest in women, they create an ecosystem of understanding and support that drives meaningful growth,” she noted.

Arletty Pinel : Legacy through Multi-Generational Entrepreneurship

Arletty Pinel highlighted the value of multi-generational mentorship and investment, explaining how a legacy of entrepreneurship benefits entire communities. By encouraging women to engage across generations, we create a rich ecosystem of diverse perspectives and long-term resilience.

“Entrepreneurship that spans generations builds a foundation for diversity and growth, with impact that echoes across time,” Arletty shared.

Isabel Velarde : Technology as a Catalyst for Gender Equity

Isabel Velarde, President of the Gender Equality in Technology Sub-Committee, presented insights from her document, The Transformative Role of Disruptive Technology in Gender Equality. She explained how digital tools like AI can reduce biases and open new pathways for women entrepreneurs, creating scalable and efficient business models.

“Technology is a bridge to equity and opportunity. By integrating it into our business models, we empower women to overcome traditional barriers,” Velarde remarked.

Marcelo Lebendiker : Scaling through Global Accelerators

Marcelo discussed how global accelerators offer critical pathways for women-led startups to expand internationally. He highlighted that incubators provide the structure and resources to help businesses transition from local to global players.

“Global networks transform local startups into international contenders, providing the resources needed to sustain growth,” Marcelo stated.

Deborah Walliser : The Power of Recognition

Deborah emphasized the importance of recognition for women entrepreneurs. She explained that awards and competitions not only validate their work but inspire others to pursue their own entrepreneurial journeys, creating a ripple effect of inspiration.

“Recognition celebrates hard work, creates role models, and provides a roadmap to success, paving the way for future women entrepreneurs,” Deborah noted.

Brunswick’s Interstellar Guide to Success: Awareness, Access, and Action

Shelli presented her Interstellar Guide to Success, a practical framework that empowers female entrepreneurs through three foundational pillars: Awareness, Access, and Action.

Awareness: Awareness shines a light on the obstacles women face and reveals opportunities for growth. Shelli stressed that by understanding these barriers, we can create more inclusive ecosystems.

“Awareness is the starting point of transformation. When women know the opportunities available, they can break through barriers,” Shelli shared.

Access: Access connects women with essential resources—capital, mentorship, and global networks—that enable them to grow and sustain their ventures.

“Access is about more than just funding; it’s about building the right connections and providing resources that allow women to reach their potential,” Brunswick emphasized.

Action: Training, Networking, and Mentoring: Action is where ideas come to life. Shelli highlighted that training, networking, and mentorship are vital to empowering women to build sustainable, impactful businesses.

“Action transforms dreams into realities. Through lifelong learning, meaningful connections, and mentorship, we create lasting change,” she explained.

Smart Finance: An Inclusive Model for Female Entrepreneurs

Shelli shared the Smart Finance model, designed to make financing more inclusive for women entrepreneurs. This model includes:

• Capital Access – Reducing barriers and creating fair pathways to funding.
• Operational Expertise – Providing business skills and guidance.
• Investor Networks – Connecting women with investor communities.
• Training and Mentorship – Offering support to help women grow and scale their businesses.

“Smart finance empowers women by creating a supportive network that goes beyond capital to include mentorship and growth,” Brunswick stated.

Final Call to Action

In her closing remarks, Shelli urged attendees to champion collaboration and support for female entrepreneurs. She emphasized that building an inclusive ecosystem requires a collective effort from investors, mentors, and advocates, all dedicated to ensuring women succeed in business.

“Together, we can equip women with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to reach for the stars. Let’s create a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and lead,” Brunswick affirmed.

Join the Movement The WBAF GWLC Incubator & Accelerator Partnerships Sub-Committee invites incubators, accelerators, investors, and supporters to join us in this journey. By uniting under this shared vision, we’re not just empowering women in business; we’re shaping a brighter future for all.

For more insights, watch the full webinar on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rMr37Hzq3w

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