Female Entrepreneurship

in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus

NEW REPORT | OUT NOW

About the report

Women have historically faced numerous barriers in accessing capital, networks, and opportunities. By providing them with the necessary support, we can level the playing field and ensure that they have an equal chance to succeed.

In this research report, Visa and Emerging Europe explore female entrepreneurship in depth to understand all potential obstacles that might influence the businesses and start-ups women create in eleven countries of Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus. 

We also dive deep into their particular needs and solutions that can empower them and help their businesses thrive and grow internationally.

The research

  • 2,000 female entrepreneurs surveyed in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Serbia, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan
  • Insight from 75 in-depth interviews carried out with female entrepreneurs, company executive, leaders, and experts across the eleven markets
  • 11 country profiles, with market-specific insight

Key questions we searched answers to

  • What drives female entrepreneurs?
  • Unequal pay: how to increase funding for female entrepreneurs?
  • Networking: can informal education be as relevant as formal?
  • What are the most common challenges for female entrepreneurs and how to overcome them?