Investing in Female Entrepreneurs: The Opportunity for York & North Yorkshire
Headline impact: Up to 165,000 jobs and £2.6 billion added to GVA by investing in female entrepreneurs.
Source: University of York research project, “New Era for Female Entrepreneurship”.
What could your area do?
Use the York & North Yorkshire findings as a blueprint. Focus on targeted investment that removes barriers, builds confidence, and expands practical support for women starting and growing businesses.
Key policy areas
- Advocacy and showcasing of female-led businesses
- End-to-end skills provision
- Expanded mentoring
- Improved local infrastructure
- Expanded co-working and networking
- Greater awareness of existing support
Challenges to address
- 23,562 fewer self-employed women than men in York & North Yorkshire
- 94% of female-led companies are microbusinesses
- 63% of girls have never considered starting a business
- 24% of women entrepreneurs lack confidence
- Only 52% feel taken seriously; 19% do not
- 57% cite the mental load of business and everyday life as a barrier
- 73% view business planning as crucial, but only 36% feel skilled