Last Friday (March 6th) at the ECE Campus, SMO (Stichting Maatschappij en Onderneming) and CARE Nederland united international entrepreneurs, researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders to discuss both the barriers and success factors with regards to female entrepreneurship at the conference The Power of Entreprenerial Women – Worldwide. Minister Ploumen (Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation) also shared her vision regarding the future of female entrepreneurship.

Additionally, in light of International Women’s Day Minister Ploumen officially received the first edition of the SMO publication The Economic Power of the Entrepreneurial Woman.

What the international conference emphasized is that closing the gender gap remains a priority for a great variety of parties. There are a large amount of both national and international initiatives and organisations dealing with the theme of female entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, working together and joining forces is something that is still not very common eventhough women can learn so much from each other.

Through uniting entrepreneurs (like Ellen Tacoma from Women on Wings; Caroline van Dullemen from WorldGranny), policymakers and international researchers (e.g. Lisa Witter), the first step towards a vision for the future was developed- ultimately aimed to inspire new partnerships that will eventually boost female entrepreneurship worldwide.

There is definitely room for improvement. The conference clearly revealed some barriers, one of which is obtaining funds; at the moment there is a funding gap of 320 million US Dollar for female entrepreneurs worldwide. Flexible methods for capital investment are therefore required. ‘One of the possibilities would be crowd funding.’ Says Peter Heijen, founder of Lendahand.

In addition, female entrepreneurs can anticipate better, because: ‘Women often start looking for financing when they are already in need of money; then it is already too late.’ according to Nicolette Loonen (Founder VERA Community).

On the other hand, there is a shortage of female investors. Men often overlook women, which is why  obtaining funds for female entrepreneurs becomes more difficult.

Also, women appear to hide themselves whilst they should make themselves more visible. ‘Get on that stage; take that interview. Female entrepreneurs have to be seen.’ says Josette Dijkhuizen (founder Krachtbedrijf).

Even Minister Ploumen asks: ‘Where are the women on my trade missions?’ That is a shame. Women earn only 10 percent of the global income and own only 1 percent in stock eventhough they would be better entrepreneurs compared to men, if only they would get the chance.

‘Female entrepreneurs do business more sustainably and sensibly compared to men.’ the Minister emphasizes. Investing in female entrepreneurs is therefore not only the right thing to do but also a smart thing.

‘Women are social entrepreneurs.’ Says Josette Dijkhuizen. By means of investing in women, everybody benefits because women invest in education, family and society.

Women can accelerate the transition to successful entrepreneurship by putting themselves out there and by taking risks. ‘Courage is a muscle, it needs to be trained.’ emphasizes Madeleine van der Steege (author and entrepreneur).

During this conference a new movement was established in which existing networks and entrepreneurs can find each other and come together in order to boost female entrepreneurship worldwide.

Are you a female, or do you know any females who have a great entrepreneurial idea? Come join the Get Started program and develop that idea into a real business!