Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Innovation, Trade, and Economic Growth on International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) hosted a global discussion on the role of women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in innovation, trade, and economic growth. Moderated by Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy, the event brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs worldwide to discuss women entrepreneurs’ challenges and opportunities.
The Global Influence of Women in Business
Dr. Winslow Sargeant opened the session by emphasizing the transformative power of women-led MSMEs in fostering inclusive economies. Women entrepreneurs are reshaping industries, driving innovation, and expanding trade networks. However, they continue to face barriers to funding, market access, and digital transformation.
Dr. Kichan Kim, Chair of the ICSB Board, reinforced that women’s leadership is vital for global economic progress, highlighting their resilience, creativity, and impact on future generations.
Dr. Lucia Cusmano (OECD) and Dr. Chantal Line Carpentier (UNCTAD) provided insights into how research-driven policies can support MSMEs and ensure sustainable economic growth. They stressed the importance of integrating trade, finance, and digital transformation strategies to empower women entrepreneurs worldwide.
Education and Research as Drivers of Women’s Entrepreneurship
Dr. Katia Passerini, President-Elect of Gonzaga University, underscored the critical role of education in fostering entrepreneurship. She highlighted how universities and business schools must actively integrate entrepreneurship programs and mentorship opportunities to equip women with the skills needed to thrive in business.
Dr. Christina Theodoraki, an expert in entrepreneurial ecosystems, focused on social media’s role in amplifying women’s voices and research. She emphasized how digital platforms help disseminate knowledge, build networks, and support women-led businesses globally.
Scaling Women-Led Businesses and Expanding Networks
One key challenge for women entrepreneurs is scaling their businesses. Camille Burns, CEO of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO), highlighted that women-led companies often face challenges in accessing funding, building networks, and overcoming imposter syndrome as they grow.
A common issue raised was that women entrepreneurs often have smaller networks than their male counterparts. Studies show that peer learning, mentorship, and structured advisory groups can significantly improve business outcomes for women-led enterprises.
Dr. Amy Shelver, a leader in the creative economy, emphasized that women entrepreneurs play a key role in linking culture, innovation, and economic development. She noted that harnessing creative industries and digital tools can give women a competitive edge in the global market.
Technology, AI, and the Future of Women Entrepreneurs
Dr. Alina Landowska brought in perspectives from Poland and Central Europe, discussing the importance of artificial intelligence (AI), policy integration, and digital transformation in shaping MSMEs.
Dr. Francesca Joseph, a physician and medical technology expert, provided insights into how technology and data-driven decision-making shape the future of women-led startups in healthcare. She emphasized that health tech innovations must be supported with the proper funding, regulatory frameworks, and mentorship opportunities.
Dr. Alyssa Abo, another leader in health tech and entrepreneurship, shared how technology can bridge healthcare gaps globally. She stressed the importance of early collaboration, investing in the right people, and leveraging AI and automation to scale businesses sustainably.
A Call to Action
The discussion concluded with a strong call to action:
✅ Invest in women-led businesses to drive innovation and economic growth.
✅ Ensure equal access to funding, technology, and markets for women entrepreneurs.
✅ Develop policies that foster inclusive entrepreneurship on a global scale.
✅ Encourage mentorship, peer networks, and social media engagement to support women-led MSMEs.
Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy closed the event by reaffirming that supporting women entrepreneurs is not just an economic necessity but a commitment to a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future.
View the Session on YouTube, primarily the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, have been the main driver of climate change ,” :
