Entrepreneurship by Women

In ancient Egypt, Persia or Rome, women were not just housewives and mothers. In Egypt they were doctors, dancers and musicians, in Persia they supervised workers, while in Rome they were business owners, contributing significantly to the economy. As history shows us, the role of women in entrepreneurship has never been limited by social or family obligations. On the contrary, women have always taken an active role in society and entrepreneurship. Today, female entrepreneurship is at the core of innovation and growth. Women entrepreneurs continue to highlight their role in all sectors, contributing to economic prosperity and social equality. And in our opinion, women entrepreneurs are the ones who can really change the world. According to ICAP research, companies led by women perform better in terms of profitability, return on equity and liquidity, suggesting that female entrepreneurship can be an important factor in economic growth. Although women appear to be achieving better results than men in entrepreneurship, their participation in leadership positions is only 25.1%. This percentage remains low because one of the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs is access to financing, to capital. Contact us We plan together your path to success The Challenge of Financing – 7 Solutions for Financing Financing is an important part of the success of any business, but it can be especially difficult for female entrepreneurs. Fortunately, there are many sources of financing available for women who want to start or grow their business. Personal Investment Funds The most common source of financing for women entrepreneurs is their own money. This can include savings, loans from family and friends, or even the sale of personal assets. Family and Friends Family and friends are often willing to help women entrepreneurs start their businesses. This source of financing can be more flexible than bank financing. Bank Loans Banks offer various types of loans and credits that can be used to finance a business. Business loans are usually the most expensive form of financing, but they can be a good option for businesses that have a solid sales history. European Funds – NSRF European programs and funds can provide funding for various types of business projects and initiatives. Social Funds and Organizations Some social organizations and funds provide funding and support to women entrepreneurs with socially or environmentally oriented projects. Crowdfunding Crowdfunding is a popular option where people from all over the world contribute money to a project or business through an online platform. This is a good option for women entrepreneurs who want to create buzz for their business and reach a wider audience. How to choose the right funding source Choosing the right funding source depends on a number of factors, including your business needs, the stage of your business’s growth, and your personal preferences. Here are some things to consider: It is important to do your research and talk to various funding sources before making a decision. Business Coaching We identify the problems together, propose solutions and help you implement the changes. Advice for female entrepreneurs Financing can be a challenge for women entrepreneurs, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting funds to start or expand your business. Contact us

Katerina’s story is a common one for young entrepreneurs. She had so many dreams for her business, but she was unprepared for the challenges she would face. And most importantly, she didn’t know where to turn before the stress and frustration took over. An exhausted businesswoman Katerina felt constantly tired. Although she had succeeded, having opened her own clothing store and set up her e-shop, she couldn’t manage her workload. He didn’t know where to focus. Should she talk to suppliers, talk to the technician about her site, finally make an appointment with her accountant, or shoot a new video for social media? It wasn’t just her work. It was also the daily problems she had to manage. The small or big “dramas” of her friends and family. And the worst thing was that she didn’t know where to turn, who she could talk to and guide her. She felt like she needed an “expert” to help her with her business, but who? Her friends? They all had their own opinions and their own experiences. Her father? He was a retired merchant with his own ideas, who couldn’t understand her and just shook his head. The resignation When I met Katerina, she was ready to give up. That day, the courier had arrived with a huge bag of “returns.” Packages that some customers had ordered on the e-shop, but hadn’t received. She was constantly thinking about the expenses her e-shop was causing her and how she should talk to her accountant. ASAP. But she had to call him tomorrow morning, when he would be in his office. And she had to remember to do so so she wouldn’t end up making the call next week. The demands had overwhelmed her, the problems that weren’t being solved in time had begun to grow dangerously large. And she knew it. I told her about business coaching, but she couldn’t understand what exactly coaching was. She had heard about life coaches, and she had seen the memes about how happy she should feel today. A few months after the sessions she confessed to me that in a desperate attempt she had stood in front of her mirror and tried to tell her reflection how happy she should feel. At the same time that she was saying she was happy, at the same time she felt so ridiculous, she confessed to me a few months later What is Business Coaching? “And what exactly do you do? How can you help me?” “Forget about life coaches. Think about how when you go to the gym, the trainer in charge, your coach, will give you a program that will be suitable for you and your needs, and how you want to be in 6 months. Right? “ “Think of it like a Business Coach. We will identify the problems that make you want to give up on everything. And we will create an action plan for how to deal with them. The problem may actually lie in time management, lack of rest, or the need to find the right partner to help you with your workload.” Contact us Overcoming business challenges The initial collaboration with Katerina lasted 3 months. Despite her initial reluctance, the sessions worked. At least that’s what she says. Katerina remembered what made her start her business. And she feels that her decisions are now more targeted and she more easily takes the risks she needs. Katerina’s business coaching plan was to remember her values ​​again and what had led her to create her store. For example, her accountant was her father’s accountant. He was a reliable person, but she often couldn’t get along with him. She took the risk of reaching out to a new partner she hadn’t known for so many years – she hadn’t known him since she was a little girl. She found an accountant who didn’t have to call her at specific times. She could just send an email at a time that was convenient for her and get a response a few days later. What she gained through Business Coaching was being able to reach specific decisions quickly and directly without great cost to her mental health, but also to her business itself. Business Coaching We identify the problems together, propose solutions and help you implement the changes. Read more How to deal with procrastination Coaching: Business Coaching Vs Life Coaching

The Vital Importance of Financing for Businesses Finance is at the core of every business, regardless of its size. From launching a startup to managing a global company, access to finance plays a critical role in its success and growth. In this article, we will examine the vital importance of financing for businesses and how it affects their initial phase and subsequent growth. Contact us Startup and Growth: For many businesses, the initial phase is critical. Early-stage funding can come from personal funds, angel investors, and venture capital. This funding allows startups to develop their products and enter the market. Innovation and Competitive Advantage: The continuous flow of funding allows businesses to invest in research and development, creating innovative products or services that provide a competitive advantage. Scaling Up: As businesses grow, their financing needs also increase. Expanding into new markets, acquiring new customers, and developing infrastructure require large amounts of capital, which can come from loans, bond issues, or equity capital increases. Dealing with Unforeseen Situations: Financing is also important for dealing with unforeseen situations, such as economic crises or natural disasters. The availability of capital can act as insurance for the survival and recovery of the business. Contact us In Greece, businesses have a variety of sources of financing that they can tap into at different stages of their development. Financing options may include: Banks and Financial Institutions: They provide loans and credits to cover operational needs, expansion plans or investments in new projects. Investment Funds and Venture Capital: They provide capital to businesses with high growth potential in exchange for shares in the company. Public Aid and European Programs: They offer funding from the Greek government and the European Union for innovation, research and development. Private Equity and Crowdfunding: They provide funding to startups and small and medium-sized businesses through private equity platforms and networks. Challenges and Solutions in Financing Each source of financing has its own problems and limitations, which can affect the availability and flexibility of financing for a business. Businesses should carefully consider the implications and limitations of each form of financing before making a decision. New Service for Women Entrepreneurs Business Best’s new service will provide specialized support and advice to women entrepreneurs in finding and utilizing various sources of financing. Women entrepreneurs will have access to customized financing solutions that fit the needs and goals of their businesses. The service includes educational programs, networks with investors and personal advice from experienced professionals. With this initiative, Business Best demonstrates its commitment to supporting female entrepreneurship and addressing the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in the financing sector. **Finance is the lifeblood of any business. From initial startup to managing growth, access to finance is critical to a business’s success. Through a continuous flow of capital, businesses can innovate, expand their market influence, and address the challenges of the business environment. Contact us

Interest-Free Financing up to €25,000 through the Recovery Fund – An Opportunity for Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs The Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF), through the Microfinance Fund, offers interest-free financing from €3,000 to €25,000, supporting small businesses, freelancers and women entrepreneurs. This financing can be used for investment purposes or working capital, providing flexibility and significant advantages for the growth and sustainability of businesses. Financial Terms of the Program ✅ Interest-free loan up to 75% of the total budget ✅ Financing from €3,000 to €25,000 ✅ Repayment period from 12 to 96 months ✅ Grace period up to 6 months ✅ Without collateral 💡 For women-owned businesses, in which women own at least 50% of the company, financing reaches up to 75% of the total amount on even more favorable terms. Eligible Expenditures – What is Funded? The expenses financed through the Microfinance Fund concern: ✅ Investment loans ✅ Working capital 📌 Important: Only expenses that have been included in the business plan of the company and have not been incurred (i.e., have not been paid off) before the submission of the funding application to the Microfinance Foundation are eligible. 📍 In addition, credit invoices dated up to 6 months prior to the submission of the financing request are accepted. Financing Example A female entrepreneur wants to start a small business producing natural cosmetics and applies for funding. Her investment plan includes: 📌 Purchase of raw materials – €5,000 📌 Production equipment – ​​€7,000 📌 E-shop creation & digital marketing – €8,000 📌 Packaging supply & brand design – €5,000 📌 Total investment – ​​€25,000 ✅ The Fund covers 75% of the investment, i.e. €18,750 interest-free ✅ The remaining €6,250 can be covered with equity or a small supplementary loan ✅ The business chooses repayment in 60 months with a grace period of 6 months Beneficiaries of the Program The program is aimed at a wide range of entrepreneurs, including: 🔹 Small businesses & freelancers 🔹 Women entrepreneurs (for businesses where women own at least 50% of the share capital and exercise management) 🔹 Startups 🔹 Businesses under formation with a comprehensive business plan 📌 Particular emphasis is placed on supporting women entrepreneurs, so that they can grow without the constraints of high financial burden. Contact us Application Procedure Applications are submitted electronically through the Recovery and Resilience Fund platform, while the process includes the following steps: 📌 Submission Steps: 1️⃣ Business Plan Writing – Preparation of a detailed investment plan. 2️⃣ Submission of Supporting Documents – Submission of legal documents and financial information. 3️⃣ Submit Application – Electronically through the program platform. 4️⃣ Evaluation & Approval – Eligibility check and viability assessment of the project. 5️⃣ Loan Disbursement – ​​After approval, disbursement and start of repayment. 📌 Important: The loan does not require collateral or guarantees, making it an ideal solution for small businesses and startups. Why Benefit from the Program? 🚀 Low Financing Cost – Interest-free loans up to 75% of the investment 🚀 Women’s Entrepreneurship Support – Special privileges for women entrepreneurs 🚀 Competitiveness & Growth – Financing for business upgrade and expansion 🚀 Digital Transition & Extroversion – Facilitating access to new markets and technologies 🚀 Flexibility in repayment – ​​Loan term up to 96 months with possibility of grace period How Can Business Best Help You? Business Best offers specialized support for the successful submission and approval of your file: ✅ Business Plan Preparation & Financial Analysis ✅ Organizing and Submitting Applications to the Program ✅ Funding Monitoring & Loan Management 📞 Contact us today! Contact us Take advantage of interest-free financing and invest in the future of your business!