A recent report by the UENI examined the percentage of female entrepreneurs in the UK. Their findings concluded that, 'the number of UK businesses currently owned by women is 32.37%, highlighting a remarkable shift from four years ago, when just 17% of founders were female.' While the gender gap is closing, 32.37% of female vs 67.63% of male-led businesses, this still represents a significant degree of inequality.
The good news is, there are a number of grant opportunities in the UK which can support aspiring and existing female entrepreneurs. To find yourself some fantastic opportunities this year, be sure to explore the following options.
1. Anita Borg Institute For Women And Technology
The Anita Borg Institute offers several awards for female entrepreneurs. These awards are for women with tech and computing businesses, or those who are looking to start a business in the tech industry.
The 'Pass It On Awards Program' is for female applicants over the age of 18. Applicants must be in a computing field or aspiring to enter the industry. The program awards grants of $1,000. There's also the Abie Awards program, which celebrates female entrepreneurs working in the tech industry. Further details can be found on the Anita Borg Institute website.
2. The Women In Innovation Awards
Women In Innovation is an organisation working to 'create pathways for all women to have a seat at the table.' WIN was founded back in 2016, responding to the gender gap within the field of innovation. The organisation includes thousands of members across London, New York, and San Francisco. They hold events every month, discussing topics such as growth, development, and leadership.
On 8 March, the WIN Awards provided grants of £50,000 each to 40 female entrepreneurs and innovators. A few of these innovations included, 'a company creating sustainable green interior furniture for the airline industry, and an app to make emergency services more accessible for those suffering from domestic abuse.'
The next grants program will be open in the summer of 2021. Female entrepreneurs who would like further information can subscribe to the WIN newsletter.
3. Female Founders Fund
Not a grant specifically, however this organisation does invest in plenty of female-led start ups. The Female Founders Fund is specifically interested in businesses that produce web-enabled services and products, ecommerce, and digital marketplaces.
The fund was created back in 2014 and since then has become a leading resource of capital for female entrepreneurs.
4. The Visa Everywhere Initiative
The Visa Everywhere Initiative is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs from all over the world. It's a funding program which helps start ups to discover new opportunities and gain global exposure for innovative ideas. To date, 7,000 start ups have got involved, generating over $2.5 billion. A winner is selected from each region and invited to a global final. Each region has a different deadline, and the deadline for the UK and Europe is 18 June 2021.
Support resources for female entrepreneurs
5. The Female Entrepreneur Association
The Female Entrepreneur Association is a huge network of female entrepreneurs, and women who aspire to start their own businesses. On the website you'll find a new video each week, with tips on growing your own business. The association produces the 'She Means Business' magazine which offers plenty of expert articles and business resources. You can also join the 'Member's Club' to connect with other female entrepreneurs and share your stories.
6. British Association Of Women Entrepreneurs (BAWE)
The British Association Of Women Entrepreneurs describe themselves as a 'peer group for women entrepreneurs who want to be challenged.' They are proud to be, 'the only women entrepreneurs network specifically for women with capital at risk.' BAWE specifically wants to work with women who want to build innovative, sustainable, and global brands. For support, promotion and networking, the British Association Of Women Entrepreneurs is an amazing resource.
7. Women In Business Network
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8. Women Mean Biz
Women Mean Biz is a network of female entrepreneurs and professional women. Anyone can join, so long as you're a professional woman looking to gain success in your industry. The group meets every month for a two-hour lunch session. During the meeting you can exchange ideas, connect, build partnerships, and access support. Once you become a member, you'll get your own profile page on the website. You'll also get the chance to join in training sessions and business related seminars.
9. She Can She Did
'She Can She Did' is a platform where you can hear from female founders, from their failures to their successes. The 'Middleweek Mingle' invites female entrepreneurs to meet over drinks, making connections and creating new opportunities. There's a thriving community, a great member benefits programme, and plenty of excellent resources. If you're looking to be part of a thriving community of women in business, 'She Can She Did' is the place to be! The member programme is particularly great because of all the included benefits. If you're a start up trying to save money, you'll want all the Freebies you can get!
10. WIRE
WIRE offers support to 'women in rural business'. The organisation was founded back in 1966 by Izzy Warren-Smith. Izzy discovered that women in rural business were facing several barriers, including lack of finance and business support. WIRE provides 50 UK networks where businesswomen can learn, share advice, and gain help. There are plenty of events throughout the year. More details about getting involved can be found on the WIRE site.
As the UK economy recovers from the effects of the coronavirus, our industries need new female led start ups, to boost economic growth, and power the future.
Copyright 2021. Article made possible by site supporter Jeremy Bowler.