Entrepreneurial Women: Creating Balance in the Business World

For a long time, the business world has been shaped by certain norms. Leadership and entrepreneurship were often associated with men, leaving women with fewer opportunities to showcase their potential. However, today, women are redefining these perceptions by making their mark in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. They are not only establishing and expanding their businesses but also driving economic growth, innovation, and social progress.

Despite this progress, women entrepreneurs still face significant challenges, including access to finance, societal prejudices, and the struggle to maintain a work-life balance. Yet, against all odds, more and more women are launching their ventures and proving that they can thrive in the business world.

The Strength of Women in Business

Women are increasingly gaining prominence in the business world. Many sectors now have strong female leaders managing large companies. Research indicates that companies led by women are 21% more profitable than those without female leadership.

But profitability is not the only benefit. Women entrepreneurs bring diversity to the business landscape and contribute to building a more sustainable economy. With their distinct perspectives, they introduce innovative solutions and customer-focused approaches, enhancing market dynamics.

Consider this: when a woman starts her own business, she does not just change her own life. She influences her employees, her customers, and even the broader community. Supporting women entrepreneurs means fostering economic independence for more people and creating new opportunities in the business world.

Why Entrepreneurship Matters

Entrepreneurship is the backbone of the economy. Small businesses and start-ups are the driving force behind economic dynamism, generating employment and fostering innovation.

Women entrepreneurs are an essential part of this ecosystem. However, the reality is stark—in 2023, only 2% of global venture capital funding went to women entrepreneurs. While men find it easier to secure investment, women still face significant barriers due to ingrained biases in the business world.

Nevertheless, pioneers such as Whitney Wolfe Herd (Bumble), Sara Blakely (Spanx), and Oprah Winfrey have paved the way, demonstrating that women can lead successful businesses and make a lasting impact. Their stories serve as an inspiration, showing that determination and vision can break any barrier.

Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs

One of the biggest challenges for female entrepreneurs is access to finance. Many investors still tend to place more trust in male entrepreneurs, assuming that women take fewer risks. This misconception makes it harder for women to grow their businesses.

Another major hurdle is societal bias. Stereotypes such as “women are not competitive enough in business” or “women do not take risks” create additional obstacles, forcing female entrepreneurs to fight even harder for their place in the business world. However, women have taken significant risks across various industries, achieving great success—and they continue to do so.

Then there is the work-life balance issue. Women often have to juggle growing their businesses with family responsibilities, placing a greater burden on them compared to men.

Breaking the Perception of Women Entrepreneurs and My Management Approach

For me, supporting women entrepreneurs is not a luxury or a side project—it is a necessity. I am fully aware of the biases they face in the business world and the challenges they encounter in accessing funding, and I want to contribute to breaking down these barriers. While leading BG’s Dream Factory, I have made it one of my priorities to support the growth and development of women entrepreneurs and help them claim their rightful place in the business world.

The vision, courage, and innovative perspective that women bring to business do not just empower them—they strengthen the entire ecosystem. That is why I invest in women-led ventures, create support mechanisms to help them scale their businesses, and strive to be part of real change. Because when women succeed, it is not just companies that benefit—the entire society thrives.

Wishing It to Make a Difference

Berk Behcet Gerek

COB & CEO of BG's Dream Factory