Women entrepreneurs are a force for economic growth, innovation, and job creation. However, globally they continue to face systemic barriers, from limited access to funding and resources to ingrained gender biases in the business world.

Research consistently shows that gender parity in business and society leads to significant economic benefits. A recent report by Care International found that closing the gap between women and men entrepreneurship and employment could boost global GDP by more than 20 per cent. Yet, female entrepreneurs still receive disproportionately less venture capital funding and face barriers to accessing essential business resources. 

One of the most significant challenges facing women entrepreneurs is access to finance. Female-led start-ups receive substantially less investment compared to their male counterparts, limiting their ability to scale. In 2023, women-founded start-ups accounted for two per cent or less of venture capital funding invested in Europe and the United States, according to Pitchbook data. YBI is actively working to address this disparity by advocating for inclusive financing models and leading programmes aimed at fostering financial literacy and access to finance for young female entrepreneurs. 

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