More and more women are embarking on the entrepreneurial adventure. These new girl bosses are revolutionizing sectors, pushing the economy forward and proving that you can succeed regardless of your gender. What if the new girl boss was you? In this article we will give you some advice to finally take the plunge and make your dream come true.
1 - Gain confidence in yourself.
You may have been thinking about it for a while but you never dare to take the plunge. It's time to gain confidence in yourself. Yes, you are capable of it, as much as anyone else, as much as a man. To embark on an entrepreneurial adventure, you must put your anxieties aside and know how to love risk and failure. You won't always be able to master everything and you may not succeed the first time but with work and determination you will get there. The important thing is not to leave feeling defeated and to work on your mind. The opinions and views of others do not matter, what will lead you to your victory is your own will.
2- Remove your own brakes.
Can I start a business and have a family life?
The answer is yes. For many women, having a family life is not compatible with starting a business. Yet it is possible. It's all a question of organization. You have to know how to set a limit between professional life and personal life. The best way to do this is to have a precise diary, that is to say dedicate each hour of the day to a specific activity: children's breakfast, reading emails, telephone appointments, lunches, meetings, homework, bathing, etc. And above all to keep this organization over time. You also need to know how to surround yourself professionally and personally. This involves choosing your team carefully to have the possibility of being absent from time to time and choosing your entourage carefully or calling on certain help to manage daily life.
3 – Build a solid business plan.
Like any other entrepreneur, you will need to build a concrete business plan to be able to launch your business. You must define your project, study the market, study the financing and profitability of the project. The more precise you are in constructing your business plan, the easier it will be to find financing and concretely build your project.
4- Seek funding.
If you have sufficient equity this step is not necessary but if this is not the case it is essential.
Unfortunately it has been proven that it is more difficult for a woman than for a man to find sources of financing. And even if mentalities are changing more and more, the lack of financial resources can be an obstacle to the creation of your business. Fortunately, there are specific aids for women to help you with this step.
The EQUALITY Women Guarantee is the only national system dedicated to women entrepreneurs. Its objective is to facilitate access to bank credit for women to finance the creation, takeover or development of their business. This structure makes it possible to obtain a guarantee covering a maximum of 80% of the loan, with a ceiling of 50,000 euros.The Initiative France honorary loan. This is an honorary loan granted without request for personal guarantee or interest by the Initiative France network. It allows women entrepreneurs to strengthen their equity and thus have easier access to larger loans. Without replacing the loan, it simplifies the process thanks to a leverage effect. The amount of the honorary loan depends on the nature of the project and the equity requirements. The national average for honorary loans from the Initiative network is €9,700.
Wom'energy: the women's entrepreneurship program Réseau Entreprendre is a mixed support network made up of men and women committed to job creation in the region. Specifically created to encourage female entrepreneurship, the Wom'energy program affirms Réseau Entreprendre's desire to support all business leaders at all stages of development and growth of their project, through peer-to-peer support. and an honorary loan of between €15,000 and €50,000.
Regional Action Plans for Women's Entrepreneurship (PAR) Each region has its own action plan for women, with different mechanisms. These plans not only offer financial aid, but also support for projects or associations.
Source economie.gouv.fr
5 - Choose your team carefully.
The recruitment stage is decisive. You need to choose a team that shares your values and the company's values. Don't hesitate to give “small profiles” a chance, they may sometimes surprise you.
6 – Have fun.
It's your adventure, so it's essential to have fun. This is what will allow you to last over time.
You have the opportunity to do great things. Grab it!
