The True Cost of Female Entrepreneurship
A blueprint for sustainable success without sacrifice
Available to download now
The hidden reality of female entrepreneurship
Our groundbreaking research reveals the lived experience of over 200 female entrepreneurs in the UK today, bringing to light both the struggles they face behind closed doors, the real-life impact of these challenges and the strategies employed by those who thrive despite formidable odds.
The report reveals a startling truth, that behind the ‘girl boss’ success stories lies a rarely shared reality, with:
- 83% experience high stress and 54% are facing burnout
- 78% report constant worry and anxiety
- 66% reported being highly or extremely lonely
Yet some founders aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving. What’s their secret?
A new approach that actually works
This isn’t about working harder or “pushing through.” The most successful female entrepreneurs have discovered something different.
Our research uncovers the specific strategies that make the difference between burning out and flourishing, without requiring more time, money, or energy than you already have.
What you’ll discover inside the report
The Female Entrepreneur Paradox: Why founders experience high stress AND high life satisfaction simultaneously.
The True Cost Behind Closed Doors: The physical and mental toll that’s rarely discussed (and why some founders suffer more than others).
Breaking Barriers: The four critical impediments to female entrepreneurial success.
Neurodiversity: and the role it plays in the entrepreneurial experience.
Changing Hormones: and its impact on business outcomes.
Entrepreneurial Loneliness: a critical business risk.
The Best Practice Blueprint: Six evidence-based strategies that thriving entrepreneurs employ.
Practical Action Steps: For both founders and ecosystem supporters.
Real Stories, Real Voices
“So when I’ve been asked to speak to startups, I say, ‘it’s gonna affect your family life, it’s gonna affect your marriage, it’s gonna affect your self confidence. It’s gonna affect everything. But just be prepared to have a network, have support and understand that you need to have self care and all the rest that comes with it.”
– Product Founder
“There are just nowhere near enough hours in the day to do all of the things that I need to do. And context switching is really hard, because one minute I can be in a meeting, talking about strategy. And the next minute, I’m helping my intern, dive into the detail of how the apps built and put together and how, you know, we’re gonna solve this tech issue that she’s looking at. And I can literally sometimes feel the gears grinding in my head.”
– Tech Founder
“My biggest concerns are where I’m spending my time. You live once right? I’m building this incredible business that I adore doing… Equally I want to spend more time with my family and make sure I’ve got quality time with them. The worry would be that I’m failing people, that I’m failing my family by not being there enough, or failing my work team that I’m not being there enough.”
– Tech Founder
Imagine a better way forward
What if you could:
- Flourish despite the odds being against you?
- Turn the odds in your favor?
- Run your business without constant overwhelm or guilt?
- Know exactly how successful founders scale without sacrificing wellbeing?
- Build success without burning out?
This isn’t just about business success, it’s about creating a life where you can flourish as both a founder and a human being.
Expert guidance you can trust
Nonie White and Yvonne Biggins bring decades of experience as entrepreneurs, coaches, and positive psychology practitioners.
They understand firsthand the challenges of female entrepreneurship, having navigated these waters themselves while supporting hundreds of other female founders.
Whether you’re a key partner in the female ecosystem or a female founder, these insights are essential.
Most successful female entrepreneurs aren’t working harder – they’re working differently, on their own terms.
There is significant economic, social and environmental potential in both value and job creation in the female founder ecosystem.
To realise this value, all stakeholders, not just the entrepreneurs themselves, must take practical steps to support female founders to not only survive, but to thrive.
Download the report to find out how.
No email address required.
Frequently asked questions
Download ‘The True Cost of Female Entrepreneurship’
We’re tired of seeing brilliant female founders burning out while receiving less than 2% of available investment.
We want to change the narrative. This report gives female founders and key stakeholders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the evidence-based strategies needed to for female founders to thrive and succeed.
Are you ready to find out how?
No email address required.