Female founders are driving innovation across every industry. Yet despite their talent and ambition, they’re still held back by systemic barriers: limited business support, networks, scarce mentorship opportunities, and the fact that less than 2% of venture capital flows to women-founded businesses in the UK.
If you’re an investor, mentor, or ecosystem builder, this should matter to you. Not just because it’s fair — but because it’s one of the biggest untapped economic opportunities of our time. The Rose Review found that closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship could add £250 billion to the UK economy.
So how do we move from intention to action? It starts with having the right toolkit.
1. Business Support Made Simple
Female founders don’t need generic advice — they need trusted, practical resources. Whether it’s setting up a company, opening a business bank account, or accessing insurance, being able to point them to providers for essential business support such as company formation, business banking and insurance, accounting, marketing and cybersecurity can save time, reduce stress, and build confidence.
2. Education & Mentorship Pathways
Nearly half of female founders report struggling to find mentors. That’s a huge gap — and one we can fix. As a mentor or investor, knowing about programmes like AllBright Academy, Hatch Enterprise, or the Cherie Blair Foundation means you can connect founders to the guidance they need to grow faster and stronger.
3. Networks That Open Doors
We’ve all heard it: your network is your net worth. But for women, many traditional networks remain closed. Communities like Female Founders Rise, Forward Ladies, and AccelerateHER are designed to welcome, support, and empower women. Making those introductions is one of the most valuable things you can do as an ally.
4. Funding that Works for Women
Access to capital is still the number one barrier for women founders. But solutions exist — from angel networks like Angel Academe, to venture funds like Ada Ventures, to government-backed programmes like Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards, and crowdfunding platforms like Seedrs and Crowdcube.
Knowing where to point female founders could be the difference between their business stalling and scaling.
Why This Toolkit Matters
The truth is simple: when investors and mentors are equipped with this toolkit, they stop being passive advisors and start becoming ecosystem builders. Instead of vague encouragement, you can offer concrete pathways. That’s how we close the gap.
Your Toolkit is Ready
At The Female Resource Hub, we’ve curated the Resource Hub Directory — a ready-made ecosystem builder’s toolkit. It’s designed for investors, mentors, accelerators, and networks who want to make real impact by connecting women entrepreneurs with the support they need.
Explore the Resource Hub Directory today.
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Because building a business is tough — but finding the right support shouldn’t be.
