As we celebrate International Women’s Day this week, it’s the perfect time to look at the bigger picture.
Because the story of female entrepreneurship in 2026 is one of real MOMENTUM.
Record Numbers, Real Growth
There are now 1.8 million women running their own businesses in the UK, the highest number on record.
That’s not just a statistic.
That’s 1.8 million ideas brought to life.
1.8 million risks taken.
1.8 million leaders shaping the SME economy.
Women are starting businesses at unprecedented levels and sustaining and growing them!
At leadership level, progress is visible too. Women now hold around 43% of board positions across FTSE 350 companies, a record high that signals positive movement at the top.
The direction of travel is clear: female representation in business is rising.
The Funding Gap Still Exists
However, the data also highlights ongoing challenges.
While representation is improving in some areas, female founders still receive a disproportionately small share of investment funding. Access to capital, investor networks and large-scale growth finance remains uneven.
And funding isn’t the only hurdle.
Many female SME owners are scaling businesses while simultaneously managing operations, marketing, finance and HR. Time (not ambition) is often the biggest constraint.
The reality? Growth may stall when founders are stretched too thin.
Optimism Is High
Despite these barriers, the outlook is strong.
A significant majority of female business owners expect revenue growth in the year ahead. They are investing in their businesses, planning strategically and thinking long-term.
There is resilience in the data, confidence in the pipeline and ambition in abundance.
Female entrepreneurship in 2026 isn’t tentative, it’s forward-looking!
What Still Needs to Change?
If we want that ambition to translate into sustained scale, three things matter:
1. Structural Support
Access to finance is essential, but so is access to expertise. Systems, processes and operational support are critical growth levers.
2. Normalising Delegation
There is still a quiet expectation that founders should “do it all.” In reality, scalable businesses are built on strong support networks.
3. Continued Representation at Decision-Making Level
Board representation is improving, but executive leadership and investment decision-making roles must continue evolving to reflect the diversity of today’s entrepreneurs.
Where We Fit In 💙
At MOMENTUM, this conversation isn’t abstract.
We’re proud to be an entirely female team supporting ambitious SMEs behind the scenes.
Every day, we work with founders who are building impressive businesses and who recognise that sustainable growth requires the right assistance. From marketing and admin to finance and strategic support, we help create the operational breathing space that allows leaders to focus on scaling.
We understand the pressures of growth because we see them up close. And we believe empowerment isn’t just about inspiration, it’s about practical, professional support that makes expansion achievable.
More Than a Celebration 🌸
International Women’s Day is about recognising progress. And the progress is real.
But it’s also about continuing to build environments where female-led businesses can thrive long term.
The state of female entrepreneurship in 2026 is strong. It is ambitious. It is optimistic.
Now the focus shifts to sustainability, structure and scale.
Here’s to the women building bold businesses and to creating the MOMENTUM that helps them go even further. 💙
make it happen..
T: 01903 910546 or E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com