Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Unlock Economic Growth

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, Youth Business International (YBI) reaffirms its commitment to empowering young women entrepreneurs worldwide. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, underscores the importance of creating equitable opportunities for women in business—not just as a social good, but as a crucial driver of economic prosperity. 

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. At YBI, we believe that fostering inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems is key to unlocking economic potential and building stronger, more resilient communities. 

The Economic Case for Women-Led Businesses 

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. 

“Closing the gap between women and men in entrepreneurship and employment isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s an economic imperative. When we invest in young women’s entrepreneurial success, we don’t just transform individual businesses, we ignite job creation, fuel economic growth, and build more resilient communities. This International Women’s Day, join us in breaking down barriers and accelerate action for the next generation of women entrepreneurs. The time to act is now.” 

Anita Tiessen, CEO, Youth Business International (YBI)

Across our global network, we have seen first-hand how investing in women entrepreneurs leads to broader economic benefits. When women have equal access to opportunities, they reinvest in their families, create employment opportunities, and drive sustainable development. 

A prime example of this is Adaeze Akpagbula from Nigeria, winner of YBI’s Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024. Her company, Farmspeak Technology, empowers smallholder poultry farmers with innovative solutions that reduce energy costs and boost revenue, transforming the efficiency and profitability of their businesses. In India, Keerthana Vangapally, recipient of YBI’s Social Entrepreneurship Award 2024, has created employment opportunities for 25 people, including 23 women, through her business, 9NUTZ Millets. Many of these women were previously unemployed, but now, through meaningful work, they have gained financial independence and renewed confidence in their futures. 

Closing the Funding Gap 

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. 

A key initiative in this effort is our Revolving Loan Fund in Kenya, designed to provide flexible, low-interest financing for young women entrepreneurs who do not have access to traditional bank loans. By recycling repayments into new loans, this fund ensures a sustainable, long-term solution for women seeking to expand their businesses. We are excited to expand this model to Nigeria and Indonesia, focusing on predominantly female entrepreneurs, as part of our Unlocking Opportunities for Inclusive Financial Growth programme funded by Standard Chartered Foundation as part of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered. 

A Call to Action: Accelerate Economic Growth by Investing in Women 

As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, YBI calls on governments, investors, and business leaders to take decisive action in supporting young women entrepreneurs. Investing in women is not only a moral imperative—it is a strategic economic decision with far-reaching benefits. 

Join us in breaking down barriers and creating a future where every woman entrepreneur has the tools, support, and opportunities to thrive. Together, we can accelerate action and drive sustainable economic growth.