Regional Business Leaders Unite to Unlock the Economic Power of Female Entrepreneurs in York & North Yorkshire

Key business support leaders from across the region including representatives from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, City of York Council, NatWest, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group and HSBC, recently came together to drive forward the recommendations of the "New Era for Female Entrepreneurship in York & North Yorkshire" report, developed in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

With the right support, York & North Yorkshire could generate up to 165,000 jobs and boost its GVA by £2.6 billion by addressing the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. The meeting marked a decisive step toward developing a comprehensive, inclusive, regional programme to remove barriers and provide more tailored support for women in business.

The key priorities for action focused on integrating business support systems to offer a seamless, connected experience for female entrepreneurs across multiple organisations; access to experienced mentors, confidence-building initiatives, and marketing support; and advocacy and allyship actions were amongst the key support needs.  

The recommendations are now being refined, with plans to launch the full programme at a regional event in Summer 2025. This event will serve as a platform to unveil the programme, connect female entrepreneurs with vital resources, and showcase the region’s collaborative approach to inclusive business growth.

The Challenges and the Opportunity
The research revealed significant gaps in entrepreneurship between men and women in York & North Yorkshire:

• 23,562 fewer self-employed women than men—men are nearly twice as likely to be self-employed.
• 94% of female-led businesses are microbusinesses, highlighting the need for targeted growth support.
• 63% of girls never considered entrepreneurship as a viable career option.
• 57% of women cited the mental load of balancing life and business as a significant barrier to growth.

Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chanceller for Partnerships, Enterprise and Engagement at the University of York, and Professor of Entrepreneurship, who chaired the event, said “Today, we’ve taken a bold step forward in shaping a future where female entrepreneurs in York & North Yorkshire have the support, resources, and networks they need to thrive. The shared vision is clear: a seamless, inclusive ecosystem that empowers women to start, grow, and scale their businesses. By working together, we are building a regional programme that will break down barriers, unlock economic potential, and drive meaningful change”