If you’ve ever looked into business funding – whether that’s loans, grants, or investment – you’ve probably noticed a frustrating pattern. Women-owned businesses receive significantly less funding than their male counterparts. And it’s not because we’re not ambitious, innovative, or capable. It’s because the system was never designed with us in mind.

But here’s the good news: times are changing. More women than ever are launching and scaling businesses, and we’re starting to rewrite the rules. The question is, how do we break down the barriers that still exist? And more importantly, how can you get the funding you need to grow?

The funding gap – the harsh reality

First, let’s get real about the numbers.

In the UK, female-founded businesses receive less than 2% of venture capital (VC) funding and women are 80% less likely to secure investment compared to men.

When women do apply for funding, they often ask for less than men – even when their businesses are just as (if not more) profitable.

These stats aren’t just frustrating; they’re proof of a much bigger issue. Women are constantly underestimated in business, and that bias runs deep – not just in business mind you – especially when it comes to money.

I’ve spoken to so many female founders who have been overlooked, dismissed, or asked ridiculous questions in funding pitches that their male counterparts never have to answer. Questions like:

• “How will you balance running a business with your family responsibilities?”
• “Are you sure you’re not taking on too much risk?” (yet historically we are seen as the more risk averse gender)
• “What happens if this doesn’t work out?”

It’s exhausting. But understanding these challenges is the first step in overcoming them.

So, why is it harder for women to secure funding?

There are a few reasons why women struggle more than men to secure funding:

1. Lack of representation at the top: the majority of investment firms, funding bodies, and financial decision-makers are men. Whether it’s conscious or not, people tend to fund businesses they relate to. If a group of male investors doesn’t see themselves in your business, they may (wrongly) assume it’s not a “safe bet.” Yet show an investor something that resonates with them or they feel connected to, they will be more compelled to fund.

2. Gender bias in pitching: studies show that women are asked more risk-focused questions for example, “What if this fails?”, while men are asked opportunity-focused ones for example, “How big could this get?”. This puts women on the defensive and forces us to prove we won’t fail rather than showing why we’ll succeed. See how differently these questions will then be answered and the tone of the conversation and pitch is set?

3. Confidence and risk-taking: women tend to apply for funding less often than men, even when their businesses are just as eligible. We don’t want to be seen as “too pushy” or “too demanding,” so we hold back.

4. Structural barriers: many funding programmes have requirements that unintentionally exclude women. For example, if you’ve taken time off to have children or started a business later in life, some investors might see that as a disadvantage and a potential risk of being repeated in the near future.

So, where does that leave us? Well, we have two choices: accept the status quo or start playing the game our way.

What can we do?

We've touched upon some of the challenges, let’s talk about solutions. Because the reality is, women can and do secure funding – we just have to approach it strategically.

1. Shift your mindset around money

One of the biggest hurdles women face isn’t external – it’s internal. We’ve been conditioned to see asking for money as a burden rather than an opportunity.

Let me say this loud and clear: You deserve to be funded. Your business is valuable. Your ideas are innovative. And you are worthy of investment.

I’ve seen it time and time again – female founders walking into funding pitches already doubting themselves. We downplay our achievements, gloss over the numbers, and focus more on what we haven’t done rather than what we have. It’s almost like we’re apologising for daring to take up space. But here’s the thing: confidence is contagious. If you don’t believe in your own business, how can you expect anyone else to?

Start seeing your business not just as it is now, but as the powerhouse it will be once it’s funded. Visualise the end result – the thriving team, the expanded product line, the impact you’re making. Feel it, breathe it, and let that vision fuel your conversations. It's a powerful tool to use visualisation to start to shape out what you see the future of the business looking like, it becomes more tangible than just an idea, instead, if you're seeing yourself living it already, it's far easier to convince someone else of the same.

2. Know your numbers

Investors and lenders want confidence. When you know your numbers inside and out, you’re not just presenting figures; you’re telling a story. A story of potential, growth, and success. Each number is a stepping stone toward the future you’re building. So own it.

How much funding do you actually need? Be bold about it. Investors want to see ambition, not hesitation.

What return will they be getting? Involve them as part of the journey and help them to visualise their own selves with their ROI. Most importantly, speak to it with clarity and confidence.

How will you use the money to grow? Paint the picture vividly, showing exactly how their investment will propel your business forward. Again, referencing what they will be receiving in return, building up a picture of what it will mean for them.

What does the investment mean you can create? Think beyond the jobs you will be creating, the revenue you will generate, use your emotional connection to your business to add an extra layer and explain about the lives you will be improving, this can go far deeper than the numbers.

What options will this funding open up for you beyond the next 5-10 years? Really imagine what the growth of your business could look like, take them on the journey with you, dream as big as you like, after all investment can turn those dreams into a reality, start talking about that reality like it's already real.

Think of it this way – when you walk into that pitch, you’re not asking for a favour, you're not asking for a handout, you're not asking for charity. You’re offering them an opportunity. You’re inviting someone to join you on an incredible journey.

And yes, as women, we’re often driven by emotion and a deep connection to our businesses. That’s our superpower. Lean into it. Share your passion, your why, and your vision with authenticity. Let your enthusiasm and commitment shine through. Investors don’t just buy into businesses – they buy into people.

The key is balancing that emotion with solid data and a strategic plan. It’s showing that you have the heart and the head to make this work. So, stand tall, speak with conviction, and remember – you’re not just a founder; you’re a force to be reckoned with. If you convey this message like you are already there, you can allow people to see far beyond the investment, they can see the journey that lies ahead.

The truth is, numbers talk, if you can confidently present your financials, it’s much harder for someone to dismiss you.

3. Find women-friendly funding options

Not all funding sources are created equal. Some are more inclusive and actively seek to support women-owned businesses. Here are a few to consider:

• Female-focused investment firms: look for angel investors or VC firms that specifically fund female-led businesses
• Government grants for women in business: many grants exist and can be specifically tailored to sector, they could be innovation grants, tech grants, startup grants etc, exclusively for female founded businesses
• Crowdfunding: platforms like Kickstarter and Crowdfunder allow you to raise money directly from your audience (although sometimes it may be equity share)
• Business loans designed for women: some banks and financial institutions may not offer loans specifically for female entrepreneurs, however they may have initiatives that they are running to encourage more women to apply
• Revenue based funding: linked directly to sales which eliminates the need for pitching at all and can give you the cashflow you need to see you through periods of growth, and ultimately are bias free as based purely on your revenue.

The key is to explore every avenue. There is money out there – you just have to know where to look.

4. Build a strong network

Who you know matters. Many funding opportunities aren’t advertised – they’re shared through word of mouth. The more you surround yourself with other female founders, the more doors will open. The more conversations we have the more we feel supported, the more supported we feel the more our confidence grows, the more our confidence grows the more we can achieve – see where I'm going with this?!

Join networking groups, attend events, and don’t be afraid to ask other women how they secured their funding. Women want to help each other – we just need to start having more open conversations about money.

5. Reframe rejection as redirection

Not every funding application will be successful. And that’s okay.

Every “no” is a step closer to a “yes.” Every rejection is a chance to refine your pitch, improve your business plan, and get even clearer on your vision.

Some of the most successful female entrepreneurs I know were turned down multiple times before they secured funding. The difference? They kept going. Not only that, but every time they were unsuccessful in a pitch, they took it as a learning opportunity for the next time. They worked out what went well and implemented more of the same, saw what maybe didn't land quite as effectively and pivoted and improved for the next time. Sometimes rejection can be the greatest gift, it allows us to reframe the way in which we approach the next attempt, polishing and improving along the way.

At the end of the day, securing funding isn’t just about individual businesses – it’s about changing the landscape for women in business as a whole. Not only that, we are paving the way for the next generation of women and girls to follow in our footsteps, by breaking down the barriers now, we may just make it that bit easier for them to do the same.

The more women who break through, the more we shift the narrative. The more we demand our seat at the table, the harder it becomes for the system to ignore us.

So, if you’re feeling discouraged about funding, let this be your sign to keep pushing forward. The money is out there. The opportunities do exist. And most importantly – you deserve them.

Go get that funding, and let’s show the world what female founders can do (cue pom poms here!)

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