Jessica O'ConnorA quarter of UK female business owners have taken on second jobs to sustain their companies as economic pressures intensify, according to research from business platform Tide and women’s career organisation everywoman.
The Female Business Owners Index 2025 revealed that 39% of female founders said running a business this year has been tougher than in 2024.
The report showed that more than half (54%) of women entrepreneurs report working longer hours, while many face falling consumer spending (36%), inflation (27%) and political uncertainty (21%).
Despite the challenges, optimism remained strong, as two-thirds (67%) expected their revenues to grow over the next year, with 17% predicting transformational gains of 50% to 100%.
In the next 12 months, 44% said they intend to enter new markets and 30% expected to invest in digitisation.
More than a quarter (28%) said they plan to expand their teams, and 21% said they will invest in upskilling and training.
Access to finance continued to be a significant barrier.
With just 2p in every £1 of UK equity investment going to female-founded firms, 28% of respondents cited limited funding options as a constraint on growth, and 36% wanted more grants and targeted tax relief.
Confidence was another obstacle, with 25% saying self-belief has held them back and 23% pointing to gaps in operational or financial knowledge.
Tide says its Women in Business programme, launched three years ago, is helping address these gaps through training, insights and events, supporting progress toward its goal of helping launch 200,000 female-led businesses by 2027.
Tide and everywoman have also begun a year-long programme aimed at helping female founders scale.
As part of this, a £20,000 grant will be awarded to one small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) at this year’s Tide everywoman Entrepreneur Awards.
George Schmidt, Tide UK/Europe CEO, said: “This report shows the fortitude of women entrepreneurs across the UK – working longer hours, taking on second jobs, yet still pushing for growth.
“At Tide, we’re committed to championing female founders and breaking down the barriers that hold them back. The unwavering optimism we’ve seen in this research is remarkable, and we want to help turn that energy into opportunity.
“Through our Women in Business programme and partnerships like everywoman, we’re supporting more women to start, scale and thrive.”
Nicole Goodwin, joint managing director of AllBright everywoman, said: “Tough times reveal true grit, and female founders have it in abundance.
“Their ambition and optimism in the face of hardship isn’t naive, it’s strategic. Women-led businesses are proving themselves as an unstoppable force for growth and innovation across the UK.”
Fallon Nelson, founder of inclusive lingerie brand Empress Me Intimates, added: “Accessing funding and financial support to scale my business has been one of my biggest challenges as a female founder.
“Despite having validated concepts and proof of real community need, funding opportunities often feel out of reach.
“I’m still optimistic about the year ahead and plan to continue growing our community through events, storytelling campaigns and collaborations while still looking to secure funding.”
