THE historic challenges faced by female entrepreneurs have been “amplified” by the pandemic, new research suggests.
A study by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in 2018 found 231,390 jobs in Scotland were created by women-owned businesses and contributed £8.8 billion annually to the economy.
Research by Professor Norin Arshed of Dundee University found access to finance, networking and social cultural barriers were exacerbated during Covid-19.
Female-owned businesses such as those in the retail, beauty and fitness sectors were hit hardest by lockdown restrictions.
Arshed called for a “one-stop shop” to be created for financial support and assistance.
Women interviewed told how they were juggling their career and other responsibilities such as childcare and home schooling when schools were closed.
The report pushes for seed funding for female businesswomen to be facilitated, offering mentoring opportunities and lowering the cost of, and expanding, childcare.
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