Supporting Women Entrepreneurs: How to Successfully Launch Your Business

Q: As a woman entrepreneur, what are the very first steps I need to take?

Start by validating your business idea by speaking with potential customers to confirm it solves a real problem. Then define your purpose and what sets your woman-led business apart, so you can shape a clear offer before you build.

Q: How can a woman get funding and grants for a new business?

Begin with a simple plan and a clear story for why your business will work. Explore grants, local enterprise support, start-up loans, and sector-specific funding, and focus on building relationships with funders and networks that actively back women founders.

Q: As a woman who struggles with self-doubt, how do I build my confidence?

Confidence grows through action and evidence. Set small weekly goals, track wins, get feedback from real customers, and lean on coaching or mentoring to challenge unhelpful narratives and strengthen your decision-making.

Q: How can a woman balance work and home life when running a business?

Design boundaries early. Choose a realistic schedule, protect deep work time, and decide what can be simplified, delegated, or paused. A sustainable pace helps you build a business that supports your life, not one that consumes it.

Q: Where can a woman find a mentor or a strong entrepreneurial network?

Look for women-led business communities, local enterprise hubs, accelerators, and industry groups where mentoring is built in. A strong network offers practical advice, introductions, accountability, and reassurance when things get hard.

Women of our Time
Jan 15
6 min read

A woman in a red suit holds an orange folder. Bold text reads "Women of Our Time" in a speech bubble, creating an empowering mood.

Why WOOT loves supporting people who set up their own business

At WOOT, supporting people to start their own business is more than encouragement—it’s a movement. We see every entrepreneur as the spark for something greater, a catalyst for transformation that can impact not only their own lives but also their communities and beyond.

By nurturing potential, sharing knowledge, and offering unwavering support, we empower each person to take bold steps toward creating something uniquely their own. This ripple effect of entrepreneurship builds a network of innovators, united in their ambition and resilience. For us, starting a business isn’t just about personal success—it’s about igniting a chain reaction of opportunity and inspiration that lights up the world.

And the best part? Starting a business is something anyone can pursue. No matter who you are or where you’re starting from, with the right support and resources, anyone can create something extraordinary and make their vision a reality.

We know how difficult it can be to take those first steps, and not everyone has access to the right experts to guide them—but that’s where we come in.

The Challenges of Setting Up a New Business as a Woman: How the Support Hub Can Offer Support for Women Entrepreneurs

Taking the leap into entrepreneurship is a bold and exciting decision, especially for women who aspire to build their own business. However, the journey to setting up a new business can come with its own set of challenges. From securing funding to managing business operations, the road to success is often filled with obstacles that can seem overwhelming.

At the Support Hub, we understand the unique challenges women face when starting a new business, and we are committed to providing the expert support you need to navigate this journey with confidence. Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or ready to launch your business, our tailored services and expert guidance can help you overcome the barriers and make your entrepreneurial dream a reality.

The Unique Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs

Starting a business is a challenging feat for anyone, but women often face additional hurdles due to gender-related biases, societal expectations, and limited access to resources. Some of the key challenges women entrepreneurs encounter include:

Access to Funding:

Women, particularly those starting businesses in male-dominated industries, often struggle to secure funding. Gender bias in venture capital and investor networks can make it harder for women to access financial resources, and many women entrepreneurs lack the networks and knowledge to navigate these challenges.

Confidence and Self-Doubt:

Women are often socialised to be risk-averse or to doubt their abilities. As a result, women entrepreneurs may struggle with self-confidence, worrying about failure or not being taken seriously in a male-dominated business world.

Balancing Multiple Roles:

Women often juggle the responsibilities of work, home life, and personal commitments. This balancing act can make it difficult to dedicate the necessary time and energy to building a business, especially in the early stages when time and resources are limited.

Lack of Mentorship and Support:

Many women may feel isolated or unsupported as they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Without access to mentorship or networks, it can be difficult to find guidance and resources to help grow a successful business.

Overcoming Gender Bias in Business:

Female entrepreneurs often face additional challenges related to being taken seriously by clients, partners, and investors. From overt sexism to more subtle biases, women frequently need to prove themselves more than their male counterparts in business settings.

How the WOOT Support Hub Can Help

At the Support Hub, we are committed to helping women entrepreneurs succeed by providing the right support and resources to overcome these challenges. We offer a free 121 with a business coach who can help you think about your business. Here’s how they may be able to assist you:

Mentoring and Coaching:

We have a team of specialist mentors and coaches who are experienced in helping women navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Whether you need guidance on business strategy, leadership, or overcoming self-doubt, our experts will provide tailored advice and support. We understand the unique hurdles women face in entrepreneurship, and we’re here to empower you with the confidence and tools to succeed.

Business Planning and Strategy:

A solid business plan is essential for turning your vision into a reality. Our experts can help you develop a comprehensive business plan that covers key aspects such as market research, financial projections, and growth strategies. We’ll ensure you’re equipped with the right tools to launch and scale your business successfully.

HR and Governance Support:

Setting up a business requires not just an idea but also a strong foundation in terms of operations, governance, and human resources. Our trusted partners can help you set up HR systems, create effective governance structures, and ensure your business is compliant with legal regulations.

Website, Branding, and Social Media:

In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for business success. Our affiliated partners can help you with website development, branding, and building a social media strategy that connects with your target audience. We’ll guide you through the process of creating a brand that reflects your values and resonates with your customers.

Financial Support:

Understanding the financial side of your business is key to success. Our experts can help you with budgeting, financial planning, and securing funding. Whether you’re looking for advice on how to manage your cash flow or need help navigating the complexities of securing investors, we’ve got you covered.

Building a Network:

One of the most valuable assets you can have as an entrepreneur is a strong network of like-minded individuals. At the Women at Work Support Hub, we provide opportunities to connect with other women entrepreneurs, potential mentors, and industry professionals. Our networking events and workshops allow you to build relationships that will support your growth and open doors to new opportunities.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone:

If you want to explore this more, then book a free triage session, which is designed to help you identify where you need support and provide clarity on your next steps.

From there, you can access a free 1-hour session with an expert advisor who will offer tailored guidance, practical strategies, and emotional support to help you navigate workplace and personal challenges. Here’s how else we can support your development:

Workshops: Interactive workshops that focus on building influencing techniques, from communication to emotional intelligence.
Access to Resources: A range of guides, articles, and toolkits to help you refine your influencing strategy and navigate workplace dynamics.

For more information on our programmes and how we can help you strengthen your influencing skills, visit our website at Women of Our Time Support Hub. Let us support you on your journey to becoming a more impactful and inspiring professional. Visit our website to learn more and take the first step towards unlocking your potential.

Starting a business is no small feat, but with the right support, resources, and guidance, you can turn your dream into a thriving business. Let us help you make that happen.

Text "Women of Our Time" inside an oval shape. The "O" in "Women" is stylized as a female symbol, in black and white.

Your Questions Answered

1. As a woman entrepreneur, what are the very first steps I need to take?

As a woman starting, your first step is validating your business idea by speaking with potential customers to ensure it solves a real problem. Then define your purpose as a woman-led business and what sets your idea apart.

Next Step: Book your free 1:1 triage session with the WOOT Support Hub. We help women entrepreneurs clarify their ideas and map out the essential first steps.

2. How can a woman get funding and grants for a new business?

Women can access a growing number of grants, loans, and funding opportunities designed specifically for women-owned businesses. Before approaching any funder, a woman entrepreneur needs to prepare a clear pitch deck and strong, realistic financial projections.

Next Step: Our expert advisors can support women with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning during the free 1-hour session.

3. As a woman who struggles with self-doubt, how do I build my confidence?

Self-doubt is incredibly common for women in entrepreneurship. Start by creating a “Success File”, a list of wins, client feedback, and achievements that remind you what you’re capable of. Women can also benefit from learning to separate temporary feelings from facts.

Next Step: Listen to the WOOT Podcasts featuring inspiring women who share how they overcame confidence barriers and built thriving businesses.

4. How can a woman balance work and home life when running a business?

Women often juggle multiple roles, so setting clear personal boundaries is essential, such as switching off notifications after a set time. Delegate or outsource tasks that don’t require your direct involvement so you can protect your well-being as a woman entrepreneur.

Next Step: Our Workshops ( details to be shared in March) teach women practical strategies for time management, prioritisation, and creating healthy professional boundaries.

5. Where can a woman find a mentor or a strong entrepreneurial network?

Women can build powerful networks by joining local women-in-business groups, attending industry events, and engaging on professional platforms. Offering your own insights helps create meaningful, reciprocal relationships.

Next Step: The Support Hub is your network! Your free 1:1 triage session connects women to expert advisors who can guide you toward the right communities, mentors, and resources.