Brussels Conference Highlights Challenges for Women Entrepreneurs

• The Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Conference was held on 5 March 2026 in Brussels
• Approximately 70 policymakers, experts, and entrepreneurs met to share views on the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Europe

The Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Conference, held in Brussels on March 5th with approximately 70 attendees from several different areas, addressed the challenges female entrepreneurs face in launching and leading businesses in Europe.

This year also represented a significant advancement for the Supporting Women Entrepreneurs project, which is managed by the European Innovation Council (EIC), the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), and the European Commission as part of the Single Market Programme.

Data on women's entrepreneurship trends over the past 10+ years was presented in opening remarks at the conference. EU-wide, while certain advances have been made toward achieving gender equity in business, there are still significant barriers for women starting and leading businesses.

The difference in access to funding and business networking opportunities was highlighted during the conference through real-life stories from multi-industry female entrepreneurs participating in the Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Role Model Campaign who shared their experiences as they run their businesses in traditionally male-dominated fields and how they juggle many obligations.

They also had a collaborative session to further develop policy recommendations in the project. Key areas of discussion include how to improve finance access, networking, education, and making support systems easily accessible. The information gathered will help in coming up with final policy recommendations in the project.

The project is in its final stage, and this is a clear demonstration of its commitment to actions that are all-inclusive, practical, and evidence-based, to ensure that women in Europe realize their full entrepreneurial potential.

The project is a series of initiatives that EISMEA undertakes to ensure that women entrepreneurs in Europe are supported. Such initiatives include programs that promote girls and women in ESTEAM disciplines, networking groups, entrepreneurship exchange programs, learning programs on the EU academy, and initiatives that tackle the gender investment gap.

EISMEA also supports women entrepreneurs in innovative startups and promotes women innovators through various initiatives in Europe.