The state of finance for female business owners in 2025

March is a key month for celebrating and empowering women in business. With Women’s History Month in full swing and International Women’s Day on March 8th, it’s the perfect time to explore the funding landscape for female founders and entrepreneurs across the UK.

Female entrepreneurs are facing a funding gap

Are you a female founder who has struggled to secure finance? You’re not alone. A 2023 report on the UK’s equity finance landscape shows that female-founded companies received just 2% of total investment. While 9% of equity deals went to women (up from 7% in 2012), mixed-gender teams received 13% of all equity funding.

Why is this happening? 

There are several schools of thought. Some believe women are less likely to apply, with only 5% of pitch decks coming from female teams. This highlights a possible education disparity where women may not be as aware of what funding is available and how to access it. Another issue that often gets highlighted is the lack of women involved in deciding who gets funding, for instance, male angel investors heavily outweigh female angel investors. 

What funding is available for women in business? 

Okay, so what do you do now? Knowing what’s available is half the battle. Here’s some of the funding that is out there. 

Government backed start up loan 

The government offers new businesses up to £25,000 in funding as part of a start up loan scheme. The interest rate is set at 6% and the scheme includes guidance and business plan creation support. 

Invest in Women Taskforce 

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has backed the Invest in Women Taskforce, a scheme that aims to empower female business founders. The taskforce aims to create a pool of over £250 million in private equity to put towards female founded businesses. This would make it one of the largest pools of investment funding for women in the world. 

Debt finance 

Debt finance is a popular source of funding for many business owners. A standard business loan for women isn’t your only option.  There are a wide range of loan sources out there, each designed for different times and needs. 

Example: Let’s say you’ve opened a printing company and you need a printing press. That could be a very expensive piece of equipment that needs to be consistently working, if it breaks, it needs to be replaced or fixed quickly. Rather than taking out a flat loan with installment based repayment schedules, you have several options. 

For instance, equipment finance or asset finance comes in a range of solutions, including paying a small monthly fee for a prolonged period of time and then paying a balloon payment at the end if you’d like to keep the asset, or, there are a range of other options, including the possibility of a lender buying the printing press for you and then renting it out to you. 

Asset finance isn’t the only funding type under which there are many subtypes and options. Properties can be bought and invested in with a huge range of finance types, including commercial mortgages, bridging loans, property development finance, and auction finance. If you’re ready to find out what options are available to you, get in touch with us and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible for funding of up to £20 million. 

Tips for securing Venture Capital and Private Equity funding

If you’ve decided to aim for VC or PE finance, here are some ways you can improve your chance of securing equity finance. 

Pitch deck supremacy 

As mentioned in the statistics shared above, female founders are presenting fewer pitch decks. If you haven’t put one together, now is the time. The best thing to do is to just get started, that’ll put you in the running. Do this by searching for example pitch decks and modelling your own after the ones online. Canva could be a helpful hand if you’re DIYing the design. 

After that, it’s time to improve your deck.

Start the improvement process by researching your market. For instance, some markets prefer expansive decks, while others prefer concise decks that get to the point very quickly. Ensure your language is engaging, your statistics and research are current, and your design is flawless. 

Research specialised investors  

Consider which investors may be more focused on female driven businesses. Consider also their industry experience and niche interests. If the investor has a strong track record of funding businesses like yours, that might increase your chances of securing their interest. 

Prepare for the big questions   

Investors often ask tough questions. Get ready to explain why you think your business will grow and how you plan to ensure the investor gets their money back. 

Ask and challenge 

Some women can get into the habit of undervaluing their work, labour and business. Carefully assess the value of your company and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. 

Speak to other female founders 

You don’t know what you don’t know. But other female founders might. Connect and network with other women who may have trodden where you’re hoping to go. They may be able to provide insights and perspectives you never fully anticipated. 

Join the celebration

Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day shine a light on the power of female entrepreneurship. Whether you’re looking for equity or debt finance, preparing a pitch, or networking with like-minded founders, use this season of celebration to propel your business to new heights.

👉 Find out more about business loans for women.

Find business finance as a woman with Funding Options by Tide

We help business owners connect with over 120 lenders, facilitating between £1,000 and £20 million in finance. If you’re exploring business loans for women this International Women’s Day or any time of the year, click below to find out which funding products you may be eligible for.

Find a business loan for women.

Please note that the information above is not intended to be financial advice. You should seek independent financial advice before making any decisions about your financial future.

It’s important to remember that all loans and credit agreements come with risks. These risks include non-payment and late-payment of the agreed repayment plan, which could affect your business credit score and impact your ability to find future funding. Always read the terms and conditions of every loan or credit agreement before you proceed. Contact us for support if you ever face difficulties making your repayments.

Funding Options, now part of Tide, helps UK firms access business finance, working directly with businesses and their trusted advisors. Funding Options are a credit broker and do not provide loans directly. All finance and quotes are subject to status and income. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and terms and conditions apply. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Funding Options can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants' circumstances and creditworthiness. Funding Options will receive a commission or finder’s fee for effecting such finance introductions.