Paving the Way: The Critical Role of Supporting Women in Business

Women are vital drivers of the global economy, yet they remain underrepresented in business ownership and leadership. Women own one-third of all formal micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide, with higher startup rates in low-income regions. Despite this, women face significant socioeconomic and cultural barriers. Only 25% of SMEs in Latin America and 22% in the United States are women-owned. At Bpeace, we are proud to help dismantle these barriers, enabling women to thrive as business leaders.

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The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story

Women entrepreneurs face numerous obstacles that hinder their growth and sustainability. Deep-rooted gender biases restrict women’s access to crucial resources like mentorship, networks and finance. Globally, women are 20% less likely than men to feel confident in their business skills, and cultural norms often exclude women from financial decision making.

Additionally, societal expectations undermine women’s confidence, with 40% of women reporting self-doubt as a major barrier to entrepreneurship. Women are also underrepresented in high-growth industries like technology and manufacturing, limiting their potential for business expansion.

Compounding this, the dual burden of balancing personal and professional responsibilities disproportionately affects women, often forcing them to prioritize family over business growth. This imbalance contributes to the funding gap—women-led businesses receive only 7% of global venture capital, and in low- and middle-income countries, they are 30% less likely to secure funding. Even when they do, they often face smaller loans and higher interest rates. Bpeace’s 2023 data echoes this reality: While women-led businesses in our portfolio secured 55% of the total investment raised, the median amount they received was just $105,000, significantly lower than the $204,000 median for all businesses.

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Women Entrepreneurs Drive Prosperity and Local Employment

Supporting women in business yields transformative economic, social and environmental benefits. McKinsey Global Institute research shows that if women participated in the economy at the same rate as men, it could add $28 trillion, or 26%, to global GDP by 2025.

Women-led businesses are particularly effective in creating jobs and reducing poverty. These enterprises often hire locally and are more likely to employ women, boosting female workforce participation and helping to lower poverty rates. Bpeace’s 2023 impact report highlights that women-led businesses in our portfolio employ 68% women, compared to just 32% in male-led businesses.

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Women Role Models Reshape Societal Norms

Women in business shatter glass ceilings, serving as positive role models and change agents within their communities. Their success not only challenges outdated perceptions but actively expands horizons for countless other women, proving that gender is no barrier to excellence in business.

Consider Leticia Escobar, the dynamic leader of ALPHA and newly appointed President of the El Salvador Chamber of Commerce. Breaking a century-old tradition, Leticia stands as only the second woman in over 100 years to helm this prestigious institution. Her powerful message resonates: “Women can conquer any field with determination and support. To those at a crossroads, I say: Trust your abilities. Stay resolute. Seek growth, build networks and embrace challenges—even failure is a stepping stone to success.”

As Leticia leads, she paves the way for a new generation of women to dream bigger, reach higher and redefine what's possible. Her story illustrates how women in business become catalysts for sweeping social change, transforming not just individual lives but entire communities and industries.

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Bpeace’s Proven Methods of Supporting Women in Business

At Bpeace, supporting women in business is both a moral and strategic necessity. We use proven methods like mentoring and coaching to help women enhance their business skills and address personal challenges. We also build support networks through peer exchanges, where women share experiences and solutions, fostering confidence and mutual support.

Understanding that every woman entrepreneur has unique challenges and aspirations, we tailor our approach to meet their needs. Many women describe dedicating time to leadership development as akin to a “spiritual spa”—a transformative experience that revitalizes their commitment and skills.

For example, take Iliana Benítez, founder of Vertex Studio in El Salvador. Initially struggling with delegation, public speaking and networking, Iliana benefited from our mentoring and coaching program. Today, Vertex Studio has grown by 200%, and Iliana’s enhanced leadership skills have reduced her stress and increased her efficiency. Additionally, Iliana has emerged as a prominent leader in the El Salvador tech ecosystem.

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The Ripple Effect of Women’s Business Success

When women succeed in business, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. Research shows that women reinvest up to 90% of their income in their families and communities, compared to 35% for men. This reinvestment improves education, health and overall community well-being, creating a ripple effect that transforms lives.

Women-led businesses are also more likely to introduce innovative products and solutions, contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, companies with at least 30% women in leadership roles are 15% more likely to achieve above-average profitability. Additionally, they often support the green transition and score higher on environmental, social and governance metrics.

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Investing in Women, Investing in the Future

As a leader in supporting women in business, Bpeace is committed to driving substantial economic and social progress, benefiting entire communities and future generations. When we empower women entrepreneurs, we unlock a world of possibilities—from job creation and poverty reduction to innovation and sustainable growth.

By fostering trust, commitment and financial literacy, we enable women to overcome gender biases, develop essential business skills and lead their businesses with confidence. The stories of Leticia, Iliana and countless others are a testament to the transformative power of our work.

Join us in this mission. Together we can pave the way for a more equitable, prosperous and inclusive future.

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References

1. McKinsey Global Institute, The economic benefits of gender parity.
2. Essential for growth: Donor support for small- and medium-sized enterprises.
3. GEM 2022/23 Women’s Entrepreneurship Report: Challenging Bias and Stereotypes.
4. Small Business Administration, Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business, March 2023.
5. International Council for Small Business: Women in Global Markets.
6. UN Women.
7. World Economic Forum: The transformative power of female entrepreneurs.
8. European Investment Bank: Finance for female entrepreneurs.
9. Melinda Gates Foundation: How leaders boost women’s economic power.
10. European Investment Bank: Evidence for supporting female entrepreneurs in Europe.
11. World Economic Forum.
12. UN Women.
13. UNIDO: Women SMEs and sustainable development.
14. European Investment Bank.
15. GEM 2022/23 Women’s Entrepreneurship Report.