Case Study or Brief
Financial Services for Women-Owned Small Businesses
Authors Mastercard Strive
With the support of
One in three businesses worldwide are owned by women, but women entrepreneurs face major barriers like limited financing, social norms, and digital gaps. The COVID-19 pandemic hit women-owned businesses especially hard.
This insights brief explores how digital financial services are helping women overcome these challenges, improving access to credit, savings, and business growth. Evidence from several countries shows mobile money and digital tools boost women’s profits and financial control. However, women still face digital divides. Mastercard Strive recommends collecting gender-specific data, designing tailored financial products, and building women’s confidence through training and trusted networks to support women-owned businesses more effectively.
Areas of Expertise
