An area I’m particularity invested in, and supportive of, is supporting women entrepreneurs. I work with a number of women entrepreneurs who are starting or developing their own business. The decision to start, build or grown their entrepreneurial ventures is always a difficult path but one that is ultimately not a choice at all – it’s a need.
The Entrepreneurship Statistical Indicators from the latest EU 2024 report are truly eye-opening regarding the reality of what being an entrepreneur means: 77% start their business using personal savings, the median annual income for an entrepreneur stands at €40K-60K, average working hours are 54 hours a week compared to standard 9-5 working hours of 36 hours per week. Being an entrepreneur requires commitment, dedication and resilience. However, despite the long hours, risk and isolation, the emotional rewards of pursuing one’s passion is always what shines through when working with these amazing individuals.
Support is certainly growing: access to finance and advocacy is a hot topic now and there are many forums that aim to foster a more inclusive financial ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. DCU Business School Entrepreneurship forum is an excellent resource of how to drive advocacy and impart strategies and programs for women entrepreneurs. A super resource is also local enterprise boards – National Enterprise Day is the 17th October 2024 with events being held to promote, encourage and stimulate female entrepreneurship across Ireland.
So, reach out for help, ask for help, there are supports for us.
DCU National Centre for Family Business
Source: Eurostat