Female entrepreneurship: study, key figures and inspiring stories

DATE DE PUBLICATION 07/03/2025

Female entrepreneurship: study, key figures and inspiring stories

Focus on 3 stories of female entrepreneurs who defy preconceived ideas

Despite an uncertain economic environment, entrepreneurship is attracting many women who feel that being their own boss is more motivating than being an employee. If they take the plunge into entrepreneurship, the majority do so to put a personal idea into practice (57%) and to give meaning to their lives (56%).

Key figures on female entrepreneurship in 2025

The study reveals that 20% of women want to start their own business. However, compared with the previous year, the desire to start a business is down by 6% among women, while it remains stable among men.

Main motivations for women entrepreneurs

57% want to turn a personal idea into reality (+10% compared to 2024)
56% want to give meaning to their professional lives (+12% compared to 2024)
Men, on the other hand, are more motivated by financial gain

Obstacles to female entrepreneurship

The obstacles identified by women are

Lack of start-up capital (45%)
Incompatibility with family life (33%)
Complex administrative procedures (45%)

Solutions to encourage female entrepreneurship

The women surveyed believe that to encourage female entrepreneurship, it is necessary to :

Simplify administrative procedures and reduce regulatory obstacles (48%)
Set up schemes to reconcile professional and personal life (45%)
Better sharing of family tasks (42%)

France Active support for female entrepreneurs

To support female entrepreneurs, France Active has set up a specific guarantee enabling them to borrow without a personal guarantee. This guarantee is offered as part of a wider support package for women entrepreneurs. In addition, support programmes and meetings specifically for women are organised in most regions.

3 examples of women who have developed their projects in rural areas, thanks to the investment :

Clémence Ducroquet-Talleu: a booming dairy cooperative

Director of the dairy cooperative “Lait Prairies du Boulonnais”, Clémence Ducroquet-Talleu has brought together seven farms to pool their resources. This cooperative enables them to share equipment for collecting, pasteurising and processing dairy products.

Her model is working: sales are increasing by 20% a year, and her customers range from supermarkets to hotels and schools.

Sandra GRENTZINGER, Director of the Marpa de la Doller

Located in Sentheim, a town of 1,600 inhabitants in the heart of Alsace, this home for independent living (Marpa) has a maximum capacity of 25 residents. Average age: 87. All have their own private flat (40 m2 T1bis for singles and 50 m2 T2 for couples), with the option of sharing meals together and taking advantage of the communal areas, as well as socialising and taking part in activities. The aim is to enable everyone to participate in the life of the home. They can give their opinion on the week’s menu or the programme of activities, lend a hand with cooking or preparing the table… It’s a real home from home, where everyone’s abilities are valued and their sense of usefulness is boosted! And it’s all run by one woman, Sandra Grentzinger, who cares about everyone’s well-being.

Natacha Kancel, Drain'ailes project manager

Natacha Kancel has set up her Drain’ailes back-to-work workshop in Sainte-Rose, north of Basse-Terre in Guadeloupe, a town often cited for its unemployment and crime rate. On this farm, she employs a dozen women, mostly single mothers, in three activities: agroforestry (cocoa, vanilla, coffee, etc.), permaculture organic farming (market gardening, fruit trees, etc.) and agro-processing (sauces, seasonings, juices, etc.). Drain’ailes is the first association in Guadeloupe to benefit from a interest-free loan.
This tool provides an accessible solution and real leverage for associations that often have difficulty accessing bank loans. France Active is co-financing up to 70% of the needs, alongside the Banque des Territoires, the Region and the Department. Natacha Kancel wanted to create this place of integration for women and by women through the memory of her grandmother, who provided for the family by cultivating the land.

Women’s entrepreneurship is booming, despite persistent obstacles. With support schemes like those offered by France Active, more and more women are daring to take the plunge and give life to their projects. The inspiring stories of Clémence, Sandra and Natacha show that it is possible to succeed, even in sectors and territories that have been little explored by women.