Women are increasingly turning to entrepreneurship, driven by a desire for financial opportunity, flexibility, and the pursuit of their passions. According to new research by Mastercard, Gen Z, and Millennial women are more likely than previous generations to start their own businesses. The rise of the online world has made it easier to launch a business with minimal startup costs.
From e-commerce to consulting, content creation to coaching, women now have many opportunities to build their financial futures without needing huge amounts of capital upfront. Flexibility is another key driver behind the rise of women entrepreneurs. Being your own boss offers the ability to set your own hours and work around other responsibilities, especially for those balancing work with looking after children or older family members.
Mastercard research shows that 45% of female entrepreneurs are parents, with flexibility cited as the number one reason for starting their business. Many women are also starting businesses to pursue their passions.
Women driving entrepreneurial growth
The rise of digital learning, online communities, and accessible business tools has made turning an idea into a profitable business more achievable than ever, regardless of background. The lockdowns of 2020 provided a powerful catalyst for this trend as passion projects turned into full-fledged businesses. Whether baking cupcakes, candle-making, or coaching a specific skill, female-founded businesses sprung up and flourished.
With economic instability, job insecurity, and evolving workplace expectations, it’s unlikely that the rise in female entrepreneurship will slow down anytime soon. The barriers to entry are lower than ever, and younger generations are increasingly drawn to the idea of financial independence, flexibility, and purpose-driven work. However, becoming a female founder is not an easy ride.
From access to funding to the high pressure of running a business, entrepreneurship requires a lot of commitment, resilience, and determination. As more women take control of their financial futures and redefine what career success looks like, one thing is clear: the future of entrepreneurship is female.
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