Survey reveals support that exists among female entrepreneurs
Survey reveals support that exists among female entrepreneurs
Fiona Kingston, Business Women Can project director at Ulster Bank
A new survey has found that 76pc of Irish female entrepreneurs would be willing to refer business to other female-led businesses, with 61pc saying they would be willing to mentor other female business owners.
Conducted by Ulster Bank as part of its Business Women Can network, the survey highlighted networking as a valuable business skill with 67pc of respondents stating they were members of at least one business network.
“There is a great sense of support by women for women when it comes to starting and growing a business”, said Fiona Kingston, Business Women Can project director at Ulster Bank.
“We all know that women in business face some barriers to success whether that is a lack of confidence in our own abilities, a fear of failure or prioritising family but it’s encouraging that there is acknowledgement of working together being a key factor to drive success.”
A third of female entrepreneurs use their network to generate new business with 53pc indicating that they have successfully secured business in this way.
There is also a high level of social media usage amongst female entrepreneurs, reflecting general trends in social media usage across Ireland with 75pc of respondents using Facebook to promote their business; 71pc using LinkedIn for business engagement; and 65pc active on Twitter.
Just over two thirds of respondents feel there are specific barriers female professionals have to overcome, such as childcare, lack of self belief and male dominated environments.