The Rich Value of e-Learning for Entrepreneurial Women

2021 was a phenomenal year for start-ups, with more than 5.4 million new businesses launching in 2021, setting a new record.Women and entrepreneurs of color are leading this boom in new businesses, with almost half of start-ups in 2021 being formed by women. There has never been a better time for women to start their own businesses.

The “Beyond the Bucks: Growth strategies of successful women entrepreneurs” report from Bank of America identified some of the most prominent gender-based barriers. Sadly, women are still perceived to be “less suitable” to lead than men, despite results from the Centre for Economic Policy Research and the World Economic Forum indicating that women leaders ‘clearly reacted more quickly and decisively in the face of potential fatalities’.

Women are also likely to face gendered assumptions about the markets they serve, exclusion from business networks and strategic relationships, and limiting obstacles to growth, including access to capital and other expansion opportunities.

It’s time to change this once and for all! Continued adult eLearning has the potential to help close this gap. In fact, data shows that with every 10% increase in female and diverse leadership, the EBITA of a company increases by 8% annually. In other words, it’s just good business.

The growing popularity of e-Learning

Online learning can be an educational lifeline to those with obstacles in their way, such as geographical distances, family responsibilities, or physical disabilities.

Women, in particular, are benefitting from the development of e-Learning. Recent data shows that women have enrolled in courses at higher rates than before the pandemic. Before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, women made up 47% of online learners, which jumped to 52% in 2021.

The desire for professional development shows investment in both soft and hard skills, with strong demand for courses in areas such as leadership, communication and entrepreneurship alongside data science, computer programming and other STEM courses.

The Value of e-Learning

• ·Flexibility. The flexibility of online learning is crucial. In reality, women are still the primary caregivers, whether we’re talking about children or ageing parents. One research study indicated that the primary reason American women start businesses is to accommodate work to their family needs. An online program’s flexibility allows individuals to take care of their families and complete errands while growing their businesses. It also provides the opportunity for women to learn at the pace they need as they begin entering the entrepreneurship space.
• ·Supportive environment. Online learnings offer a supportive environment with an open and honest dialogue regarding concerns about being a woman in business. Learning to work with others in a virtual environment can make you a more effective leader, developing critical leadership skills by utilising specialised knowledge, creating efficient processes, and deciding best communication practices.
• · Networking opportunities. Online learning offers you a chance to expand your professional network with like-minded, career-driven women with varied business experiences. Aside from seeking clarification and validation of your business ideas in a safe, supportive environment, it brings opportunities for your business.
• ·Learn new soft skills. In today’s world, soft skills are more critical than ever. Leadership, productivity, team management, sales and communication skills are among an entrepreneur’s most valued soft skills. Soft skills are the sometimes intangible and non-technical talents that employers possess. While these types of skills are more about your intuition and attitude, you can improve your soft skills through online learning. In fact, a recent study from Boston College, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan found that soft skills training, like communication and problem-solving, boosts productivity and retention by 12% and delivers a 250% return on investment based on higher productivity and retention.

Women in business

With eLearning, entrepreneurs can build the skills, mindset, and network to take charge of their future and fast-track their careers. By harnessing the insights of experts from around the world and a group of leading businesswomen, you will be well equipped to grow your business.