Female entrepreneurs across the UK are working longer hours, taking on second jobs and facing renewed financial strain as economic pressures mount, according to a major new study from Tide and everywoman.
The Female Business Owners Index 2025 shows that 39 percent of female founders say this year has been more difficult than 2024 as falling consumer spending, inflation and political uncertainty continue to squeeze margins and slow growth.
Despite the difficult trading environment, the study paints a picture of exceptional resilience. More and more women are putting more effort into keeping their businesses afloat. More than half are now working longer hours and almost one in four are taking a second job to maintain their company. Many say the economic climate has made entrepreneurship more challenging, with weaker household purchasing power affecting more than a third of women-owned businesses. Inflationary pressures and political instability also contributed to a challenging year.
Nevertheless, optimism remains remarkably strong. Two thirds of female entrepreneurs expect their sales to increase in the next 12 months and almost one in five believe the coming year could be characterized by upheaval, predicting sales increases of up to 100 percent. Instead of waiting for conditions to improve, many are pursuing bold expansion strategies, exploring new markets, investing in digitalization and looking to grow their teams. There is also a renewed focus on upskilling, with a significant proportion of founders seeing training and skills building as essential to their growth plans.
However, access to finance remains one of the most persistent barriers to women in business. Despite their ambition, female founders continue to receive a disproportionate share of UK investment, with just two pence of every pound of equity going to women-led businesses.
Nearly a third of women surveyed said difficulty securing loans or investment capital limited their ability to scale, while many called for targeted grants and tax breaks to navigate the economic environment. Confidence also plays a role: a quarter of respondents admit that self-doubt has held them back, and a similar proportion cite gaps in business or financial knowledge as barriers.
Tide, which has supported thousands of women through its Women in Business program over the past three years, says targeted support remains essential. On track to fulfill its promise to help create 200,000 women-led businesses by 2027, the company has teamed up with everywoman on a new year-long initiative designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the practical tools, connections and confidence they need to grow.
The report’s findings will also feed into the Tide Everywoman Entrepreneur Awards, where an exceptional women-founded small business will receive a £20,000 grant to accelerate growth. The awards, presented in association with BGF, will take place on December 2nd at The Londoner in Leicester Square.
George Schmidt, CEO of Tide UK/Europe, said the results showed the determination of female entrepreneurs across the country. He said many are working harder than ever before, taking on extra jobs and continuing to have the ambition to grow, pointing out that “the strength of women entrepreneurs across the UK is remarkable”. He added that Tide remains committed to breaking down the barriers that hinder women’s success.
Nicole Goodwin, co-chief executive of AllBright everywoman, said female founders showed “true courage” and that their optimism was not misplaced but strategic, allowing women-led businesses to remain a driving force for innovation despite the headwinds.
Among the founders featured in the report was Fallon Nelson, who runs the inclusive lingerie brand Empress Me Intimates. She said access to funding has been one of her biggest challenges, despite strong demand and demonstrated need. However, she remains optimistic and plans to continue growing her community through events, storytelling campaigns and collaborations while continuing to seek financial support.
