Women-Owned Businesses Will Get A Boost From Visa

More women are starting businesses than ever before, with more than 163 million women-owned businesses launching worldwide since 2014. Now credit card network Visa is showing their commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs by launching the global initiative She’s Next, which will encourage women small business owners to build and grow their businesses.

Suzan Kereere, global head of merchant sales and acquiring at Visa, says that when it comes to nurturing and sustaining their businesses, it’s vital that women work together to support each other. “Starting and growing a business can be both incredibly rewarding and daunting. That’s why Visa is committed to empowering women business owners through a year-long program of education, cutting-edge digital payment technology and a powerful peer network.”

Supporters come from many corners

She’s Next will be supported by the Female Founder Collective (FFC), a network of women-led businesses that launched in 2018 and boasts over 3,000 members. Visa and FFC aim to offer resources and opportunities for female entrepreneurs.

“As women, we have the power to shape and transform our communities, through our purchasing power and also through the leadership and employment opportunities we offer as business owners,” says Rebecca Minkoff, founder of the FFC. “By joining forces with Visa, we will help build awareness of women-owned businesses, provide them with more opportunities and invest in women across the socioeconomic spectrum around the globe.”

Additional support will be provided by Square and Yelp, companies that are strong advocates for small businesses.

Events, workshops, and experts

Pop-up events will happen throughout 2019, offering tools, resources, insights, and chances for women to network. Offerings will include interactive workshops, access to experts in their field, and more.

A recent survey from Visa highlighted the things that are top of mind for women entrepreneurs and small business owners. For example, it found that the three main motivators for starting their own business are: so they can pursue their passion, so they can have financial independence, and so they can have flexibility in their schedules. However, nearly three-fourths of women said it was difficult to secure the funding needed to get their business off the ground. Perhaps for this reason, six in ten funded their own businesses.