#GibraltarBusinessWomen #EmpoweringShepreneurs #EntrepreneurialRise
Women entrepreneurship in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory on the southern coast of Spain, is experiencing a remarkable upsurge, reflecting a broader global trend where women are breaking barriers and taking significant strides in the business world.
These women entrepreneurs are pioneering in diverse industries – from fintech to hospitality and beyond. They’re not just creating successful businesses, but they’re also challenging stereotypes and inspiring future generations. With access to a supportive ecosystem, mentorship programs and a conducive business environment, women in Gibraltar are unleashing their entrepreneurial potential.
The empowerment of women entrepreneurs is indeed, a positive force in Gibraltar’s economic landscape, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and innovation while fostering gender equality. As Gibraltar continues to position itself as a thriving hub for business and finance, the active participation of women entrepreneurs is shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for this vibrant enclave.
Here are schemes and initiatives that are available for women entrepreneurs in Gibraltar.
> Gibraltar Business Nurturing Scheme
HM Government has established a fund to support the development of new business start-ups in Gibraltar. Here the condition is that an amount of £250,000 will be set aside for this new scheme. The Ministry of Business and Employment has engaged extensively with the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce and the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses – to develop this initiative, and in particular, the criteria to be adopted when deciding applications.
Applications for the scheme will be assessed by a committee, comprising one member of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce, one from the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses and an official from the Ministry of Business and Employment.
https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/business/gibraltar-business-nurturing-scheme
> Ministry of Equality’s Mentorship Programme
The Ministry of Equality is inviting potential new Mentors and Mentees for the third cycle of the very successful Ministry of Equality’s Mentorship Programme – for women to register. This initiative forms a key part of the Ministry of Equality’s gender equality strategy and was introduced by the Minister for Equality, the Hon Samantha Sacramento MP, on International Women’s Day in March 2018.
It is seen that the Women’s Mentorship Programme has proved to be a great success and although interest had been generated for a third cycle and was planned but due to the current worldwide Pandemic, it had to be put on standby.
The motivation for the programme is – to support women’s progress in their professional lives. Its aim is – to educate, inspire, and empower women with the core values, attitudes and skills that are the foundation of quality leadership.
Mentorship Programmes demonstrate to be an effective way to achieve meaningful progress, empower women and challenge systemic barriers and this was also the case with the scheme organized by the Ministry.
The Scheme is open to women of 18+ years of age, and are residing in Gibraltar and feel that they would benefit from an experienced mentor. The Ministry encourages women who fall in this category to register for the Women’s Mentorship Programme.
Those interested can email to -l equality@gibraltar.gov.gi to register.
https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/press-releases/ministry-of-equality-inviting-new-potential-
mentors-and-mentees-for-womens-mentorship-scheme-third-cycle-to-register-interest-
5972021-7171
> The Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB)
Formed in 1996, The Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses is the leading non- political campaigning pressure group for the promotion and protection of Small & Medium sized Business in Gibraltar.
The GFSB acts on behalf of the business sector by both lobbying and supporting Government as appropriate. It offers advisory services to members and those wishing to start a business and also promote and support business led initiatives. Members of the Board attend Government meetings and sit on many relevant Boards – to ensure the rights and benefits being discussed are fair and reasonable for Gibraltar small businesses.
https://www.gfsb.gi/about/about-us/
> Women in Business
Women in Business was set up in the 1990’s by business and professional women for business and professional women in Gibraltar.
https://www.gfsb.gi/about/women-in-business/
> Gibraltar Enterprise Scheme
HM Government of Gibraltar (HMGoG) has introduced in August 2023 the Gibraltar Enterprise Scheme – a new initiative aimed at fostering local entrepreneurship, as recently announced by The Honorable Vijay Daryanani MP, Minister for Business.
This scheme will establish a soft loan program facilitated by local banks, specifically catering to start-ups and existing small businesses, who have been operating for less than three years. The primary objective of this loan initiative is – to provide support to the local start-up and small business community. These loans will carry a full guarantee from HMGoG. The participating financial institutions include Trusted Novus Bank and Gibraltar International Bank.
The scheme will not only assist startups but also existing businesses operating for less than three years who want to develop and improve, and the idea is also to help those who want to expand their business further.
https://www.sovereigngroup.com/news/news-and-views/gibraltar-enterprise-scheme-
launches/
> Startup Grid
On the 1st February 2017, Gibraltar was chosen as the next City Chapter within the organization Startup Grind – a Global Community for Entrepreneurs. This is the largest community of startups, founders, innovators and creators in the world. Their mission is – to provide education and opportunities to entrepreneurs so that they can successfully create, develop and scale their companies.
At Startup Grind you can learn, share, network and meet entrepreneurs and businesses through conversations, events and initiatives led by local and international founders, business leaders and educators.
From hosting monthly events featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies in a Fireside Chat, Panel or Workshop and loads of charity work for the community.
https://www.startupgrind.com/gibraltar/
> FasterCapital
FasterCapital is the #1 online incubator/accelerator that operates on a global level. They have programmes like – the Tech Cofounder program, where they help the startup build an MVP or build a prototype, whether it’s a mobile app (Android app, iPhone app) or a web app. In the Raise Capital program, they improve the startup’s pitch deck, business plan and financial operating model and forecasts. They also help startups reach out to angel investors and VCs through warm introductions.
So, FasterCapital helps in creating and/or reviewing your business plan and pitch deck to start your business in Gibraltar – helping you in validating your idea, funding your idea, and building your prototype in Gibraltar.
https://fastercapital.com/countries/gibraltar.html
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
