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
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.