ENISA’s Empreendedores Digitales provides participative loans to SMEs where women hold key roles, allocating €40M to fund 257 innovative projects. The process included creating transparent criteria for loan applications and increased financial access for women-led businesses, enabling them to scale operations and innovate. Applicable in regions with gender funding gaps. Governments and financial institutions can adapt similar participative loan programs with transparent criteria and outcome measurement.
WA4STEAM is a Women Angel Investors Network to support STEM entrepreneurs offering networking, mentorship, and financial literacy programs. Bridges knowledge gaps for women investors, empowers both investors and entrepreneurs, and boosted women’s participation in STEM investments.
ETF Digital Investment Platforms promotes ETF investment via digital platforms, aiming to attract first-time investors, particularly young people and women. Banks and advisors developed user-friendly online platforms offering affordable and accessible ETF investment options. These platforms also incorporated financial education tools to guide beginners and presented a 53% rise in ETF investments, engaging young/women investors.
Young Women in Investment Program (YWIP) is an initiative by the CFA Institute, aims to introduce young women to careers in the investment management industry through education, practical experience, and skill development. It consists of a four-week intensive boot camp covering investment management fundamentals, soft skills training, and professional mentorship. After the training, participants intern with partner financial institutions to gain real-world experience. The program increased participation of women in the finance and investment management industry. Participants reported improved confidence, financial skills, and access to industry networks.It is highly replicable, especially in regions aiming to increase women’s representation in finance. Requires partnerships with educational institutions and financial firms to ensure successful execution.
Gender Equality in Innovative Entrepreneurship is a Government initiative that promotes female participation in entrepreneurship through education programs, mentorship opportunities, and increased visibility for women-led startups. Policies supporting equal opportunities were introduced alongside mentorship programs for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Gender-focused research initiatives were also launched to identify and address structural barriers in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program has the potential to add 50,000 new women entrepreneurs and contribute €5 billion to Spain’s economy. It has also improved the visibility of women in business and addressed systemic inequalities in the startup environment. It is suitable for regions with similar gender gaps in entrepreneurship. Policymakers can adapt its multifaceted approach to local contexts, combining education, mentorship, and research-based policy design.
