Women’s entrepreneurship in Europe: Trends, challenges, and the role of migrant women
Author: Eleftheria Gravani, KMOP
Women’s entrepreneurship drives economic growth, innovation, and job creation in Europe. Despite progress, women are still underrepresented, especially when it comes to funding, technology, and scaling their businesses. The picture is even more complex for migrant women, who face additional barriers but also bring unique opportunities and perspectives.
Emerging trends
Recent findings from Eurochambres (2025) show that only about one in three businesses in Europe is started by women, even though women make up nearly half of the workforce. Access to finance remains a key obstacle, with women-led startups receiving only a fraction of available venture capital.
At the same time, women are increasingly entering technology and sustainability sectors, which have traditionally been dominated by men (Femaleswitch, 2024). Female founders are now driving growth in fintech, green tech, ethical fashion, health, wellness, and sustainable products. Many focus on inclusive work cultures and community-driven business models, shaping industries while promoting innovation.
In addition, female entrepreneurs are benefiting from growing support networks, mentorship programs, and digital tools that help them expand their businesses and navigate challenges. Programs and organizations tailored to women, such as specialized accelerator programs and networking groups, provide guidance, foster connections, and create a sense of community. Many women are also leveraging e-commerce platforms, no-code tools, and social media analytics to reach broader markets and operate more efficiently. Moreover, the rise of female solopreneurs is notable, with many women choosing to run their businesses independently, allowing for greater control and personalization in their operations. These developments highlight how women are increasingly using resources, technology, and networks to strengthen their businesses and drive innovation across diverse sectors (Femaleswitch, 2024).
The gap that still exists
Both foreign- and native-born women are underrepresented among the self-employed. Women account for 35% of self-employed immigrants and 36% of self-employed native-born individuals on average across OECD countries. The share of women entrepreneurs varies more for the foreign-born than for the native-born population (OECD, 2024).
Migrant women entrepreneurs
For migrant women, entrepreneurship can be both a necessity and a path to integration. Research from the European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI, 2023) shows that migrant women often establish businesses in lower-value-added sectors, such as retail, hospitality, and personal services, with less representation in high-tech industries.
The OECD (2024) reports that migrant women are nearly twice as likely to enter self-employment out of necessity (15%) compared to women born in their host countries (8.4%). Language barriers, non-recognition of qualifications, and discrimination often limit access to stable employment. As a result, many turn to entrepreneurship, though these businesses are often smaller and more vulnerable.
When migrant women gain access to training, mentoring, and professional networks, they can become powerful agents of social and economic inclusion. Their resilience and adaptability are valuable assets in diverse and changing economies.
Building a more inclusive future
Women’s entrepreneurship in Europe is growing, with more funding opportunities and an increasing presence in technology, sustainability, and other innovative sectors (Eurochambres, 2025; Femaleswitch, 2024). Still, gaps remain: women are underrepresented in business creation, and structural barriers limit access to networks, capital, and growth opportunities (OECD, 2024). Migrant women face additional challenges, including language barriers, non-recognition of qualifications, and higher rates of necessity-driven entrepreneurship (ECMI, 2023; OECD, 2024). Targeted support, training, and access to resources are essential to help women, especially migrant women, contribute fully to economic growth, innovation, and social inclusion in Europe.
WISER helps address these challenges by offering support hubs for migrant women across Europe. These hubs provide training, mentoring, networking, and business development, alongside soft skills training in social entrepreneurship. By connecting women with communities of practice and practical resources, WISER empowers them to plan, start, and grow their social enterprises, boosting both economic independence and social inclusion.
Sources:
- Eurochambres (2025). Women Entrepreneurs Survey 2025
- Femaleswitch (2024). Top 10 Trends for Female Entrepreneurs in 2024–2025
- ECMI (2023). Migrant Women Entrepreneurship in Europe
- OECD (2024). International Migration Outlook – Migrant Entrepreneurship in OECD countries