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Access to Finance for Women in Business 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Lead MP
Sonia Kumar
Debate Type
General Debate
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Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Sonia Kumar raised concerns about access to finance for women in business 2025-11-18 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Bill seeks to confront one of the most urgent and entrenched inequalities in our economy: persistent barriers that women in business continue to face. Despite entrepreneurial spirit, they remain significantly under-represented among recipients of capital and public financial support. In 2024, just 2% of UK equity investment went to female entrepreneurs—a decline on the previous year. Over 80% of venture capital funding is allocated to male-dominated businesses despite research confirming that women-led businesses deliver a 35% better return on investment. Women start businesses with 53% less capital than men and receive smaller loans, facing lower approval rates for funding. The injustice goes beyond numbers; it holds back potential in every community. I propose three core measures to begin dismantling the barriers: transparency and accountability within financial institutions, expanding outreach and setting measurable targets, and requiring a report on access to finance.
Sonia Kumar
Lab
Dudley
The Bill seeks to confront persistent barriers that women in business face. Women receive just 2% of UK equity investment, with over 80% of venture capital funding going to male-dominated businesses despite better returns from female-led firms. In Dudley, Iron & Velvet’s CEO Debra McDonald faces undervaluation and skepticism. Globally, the US leads for women-led businesses, growing by 100% between 2019-23, contributing $500 billion in revenue. Sweden and Poland outperform the UK with targeted strategies to improve access to finance. The Bill mandates transparency, expands outreach, sets targets, and requires a report on access to finance.
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