Why the need for women only groups?

This is a question I am often asked when I tell people I run workshops and webinars for #femalefounders and that I am about to open 4 new Women in Business Networking groups Women In Business Network (WIBN) . I think this quote from Serena gives a first clue.

As we start the next series of FREE webinars for female entrepreneurs, I have been interviewing a number of women who have experienced the highs and lows of starting a business.

The path to entrepreneurship for female founders in the UK is often marked by unique challenges and triumphs. Recent research sheds light on the experiences of these pioneering women as they navigate the complex landscape of business creation and growth.

According to a study by The Entrepreneurs Network, women in the UK are half as likely as men to start a business. However, those who do take the plunge demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation. The journey typically begins with identifying a gap in the market or a personal passion that can be transformed into a viable business idea.

Many female founders report that access to funding remains a significant hurdle. The Rose Review, commissioned by the UK government, found that only 1% of UK venture funding goes to all-female teams. Despite this, determined entrepreneurs often turn to alternative funding sources, such as angel investors, crowdfunding, or bootstrapping their ventures.

Networking plays a crucial role in the growth phase. Organisations like AllBright and Women in Business Network provide platforms for female entrepreneurs to connect, share experiences, and find mentors. These support systems are invaluable as businesses scale up and face new challenges.

Success stories abound, inspiring the next generation of female founders. Take Romi Savova, who founded PensionBee, revolutionising the pension industry. Starting from scratch in 2014, she led the company to a ￡365 million IPO in 2021. Another notable example is Starling Bank's Anne Boden, who disrupted traditional banking and achieved unicorn status for her digital challenger bank.

As businesses grow, female founders often find themselves at the forefront of innovation and social change. Many, like Bumble's Whitney Wolfe Herd, incorporate social responsibility into their business models from the outset.

While progress has been made, there's still work to be done to level the playing field.

The journey of UK female founders is one of determination, creativity, and resilience. As more success stories emerge and support systems strengthen, the future looks bright for women entrepreneurs across the nation.

If you are a female founder and want to learn and inspire from other female founders, do join us next week for the launch of our new series!

#FemaleFounders #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #UKStartups #WomenSupportingWomen #Founder2Leader