In a recent commentary, Christine Jardine, Member of Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, urged the Chancellor to introduce a dedicated support scheme for female founders in the upcoming Autumn Budget. She proposed a “Female Enterprise Investment Scheme” to offer stronger incentives and support mechanisms for women entrepreneurs.
The call to action reflects a wider concern: many women running businesses continue to face challenges such as limited access to venture capital, reduced mentorship opportunities and structural disadvantages when compared with male peers. Jardine emphasised that previous efforts to address this imbalance have been “lacklustre” and called for a national strategy to close the gap.
By recommending higher incentives, tailored support and changes to parental-leave rules for self-employed women, the committee aims to create an ecosystem where female entrepreneurs have the same chances to succeed as others. Jardine believes this is not only fair but also essential for the economy, pointing out that when women are fully able to contribute as business leaders, the country as a whole benefits.
