Small Business Britain unveils 2025’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs

Small Business Britain has announced the 2025 line-up of the UK’s 100 most dynamic female entrepreneurs as part of its celebrated f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 campaign.

Recognising the vital contribution of women-led businesses to the UK economy and society, this year’s campaign showcases female founders driving innovation and impact across sectors including health, sustainability, tech, food, fashion, and law. 

The annual campaign celebrates the extraordinary contribution of women to the UK’s economy, communities, and society. It shines a light on the resilience, creativity, and purpose-driven approach that many female entrepreneurs exhibit, with businesses that not only thrive but also champion positive change. 

The 2025 #iAlso100 features inspirational female entrepreneurs such as: 

  • Abbie Hills: running The Dazey Hills Company, a disability-led talent and production agency in Hampshire
  • Celie Brayson: a paramedic and Founder of Mini Healthcare Heroes, teaching kids first aid in Leicestershire
  • Daniela Groza: Founder of custom made Auzi Hearing Aid Jewellery based in London
  • Hasina Rahman: Founder of Bedfordshire’s female-only combat club Pink Diamond Martial Arts
  • Hepsie Goddin: Co-Founder of Martha and Hepsie, offering vibrant, illustrated gifts based in Devonshire
  • Janet Wood: creator of WeWeed, a UK-wide directory supporting women gardeners, based in Oxfordshire
  • Lucy Wheeler: Founder of Lucy Legal, offering support with the legal side of running a business, based in Hertfordshire
  • Nicola Alexander: Founder of Bethan Customs Consultancy providing supply chain support in  Scotland
  • Nidda Tanvir: Founder of London-based modest wear brand Bubble Girl 
  • Suzie Millar: Founder of The Scottish Bee Company, which sells slow food products  

Female entrepreneurship continues to make a powerful economic impact, with estimates suggesting up to £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men.1

Small Business Britain has a stated mission to increase the number of female small business owners from 20% of all entrepreneurs to 30% by 2030. It aims to do this by understanding the barriers facing women in entrepreneurship and providing targeted training and support. 2

“I’m so proud to be chosen as part of f:Entrepreneur’s #iAlso100 for 2025,” says graphic designer Kate Merrien, Founder of CommuniKate Design in Brighton.

“Being an entrepreneur can be tough and it's wonderful to see Small Business Britain and the f:Entrepreneur campaign recognising and celebrating women's ability to successfully and simultaneously fulfil multiple roles, responsibilities, and passions across our work and personal life.”

Earlier research from Small Business Britain in 2024 found the leading motivation for 60% of women starting businesses is gaining independence. However, it also identified a need for greater support of female entrepreneurs to scale as more than half (58%) rely on no external financing, with 79% self-funding their startups.3

“The drive and determination of women-led businesses across the UK is nothing short of remarkable. Despite a host of challenges – from access to finance, to appropriate mentors and role models – female entrepreneurs continue to innovate, thrive, and deliver real economic and social impact,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain who launched the f-Entrepreneur campaign eight years ago. 

“Through the #iAlso100 campaign we aim to celebrate the success of female entrepreneurs, inspire future generations and highlight the essential role women play in shaping the UK economy.”  

Launched in 2017, the f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 campaign highlights the immense and multi-dimensional contributions of women business owners, many of whom lead purpose-driven businesses while supporting their local communities through mentoring, volunteering, and collaboration. 

Delivered by Small Business Britain, the campaign offers a range of events, training, and networking opportunities to boost skills, confidence, and growth for female founders across the country.  

Victoria Ajoku, who was highlighted by the #iAlso100 campaign last year for her successful business Fan the Glory with Tori saw multiple benefits from being involved. 

“Through being recognised by f:Entrepreneur I have seen a massive positive impact on my social media followings and a huge increase in new clients booking my fan making classes.”

“It is a marvellous campaign which has empowered me and helped spread a larger public awareness of my organisation's unique mission.” 

To see the full list of the 100 women featured in the 2025 f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 campaign, visit f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2025

 

[1], [2] The Invest Women Taskforce, 2024.

[3] Small Business Britain surveyed over 1000 female entrepreneurs from across the UK in 2024.