9 APRIL2026W MAN LEADERGLOBAL W MAN LEADERGLOBAL Access to finance remains a major barrier for women entrepreneurs in developing countries, even when their ideas are promising and full of growth potentials. Of the total $289 billion of global venture capital invested within 2024 only 2.3 percent were invested in female-only founder teams. One of the main goals of UpGreyedHer, an initiative by Grey (Y Combinator-backed global banking solutions provider) designed to empower female entrepreneurs, is to assist female entrepreneurs by providing equity-free funds to allow them to grow their businesses.The third edition of UpGreyer which has just announced it will award a total of $10,000 in funding to three winners; $5,000 for the top placed, $3,000 for the next runner up and $2,000 for the last placed of the three winners. Grey has successfully implemented UpGreyer in two prior volumes with a total of approximately 5,000 applications received and $17,500 awarded to women entrepreneurs. A number of these women have already started their venture ideas into successful, revenue-generating business through UpGreyer. Y COMBINATOR BACKED GREY LAUNCHES $10K GRANT FOR WOMEN FOUNDERSFOUNDER GRANTSSAUDI WOMEN LEADING ENTERPRISE GROWTH & WORKFORCE PARTICIPATIONECONOMIC INCLUSIONAccording to the National Observatory for Women, 2025 was a watershed year for women's empowerment and a significant milestone toward achieving the Kingdom's vision, as women's empowerment became an integral component of achieving economic prosperity, improving living standards and developments of the nation. As the nation's economy transforms, one witness greater women participation like never before, with increased involvement in employment and entrepreneurship driven by Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia witness notable growth in women's workforce participation reaching 34.2% by 2025. Navigating the existing workplace challenges, women's overall participation has also climbed up to 36.3%. This growth also demonstrates the ongoing integration of women into the workforce and economic activity in the Kingdom. In addition, the statistics show the rapid growth of women entrepreneurs, which is aiding in diversifying the economy and promoting
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