Fe/male Switch: Your Startup Facilitator & Incubator for Women

Top 15 Countries for Female Entrepreneurs in South America in 2025

Top 15 Countries for Female Entrepreneurs in South America in 2025

As we look to 2025, South America is becoming a vibrant hub for female entrepreneurs, offering various opportunities and support systems aimed at fostering women-led businesses. Based on recent trends and projections, here’s a detailed overview of the top 15 countries in South America that are paving the way for female entrepreneurship.
Write FREE SEO-optimized Blog Articles! Our Article Writer ensures your blog is loved by both Google and your readers, turning those clicks into customers.

👉 Write your article here

1. Peru

Female Entrepreneurship Rate: Peru boasts one of the highest rates of female entrepreneurs, with 36% of enterprises run by women.
Business Ownership: Women own 29.5% of all businesses, which is the highest in the region.
Areas of Activity: Female entrepreneurs are notably active in textiles, handicrafts, and small-scale agriculture.
Support System: The Peruvian government and various non-profits provide funding opportunities and business training, creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurs.
Regional Ranking: The country ranks second overall in Latin America for the enabling environment for women entrepreneurs, especially concerning training access.
Learn more about Peru's entrepreneurial landscape
Boost Your SEO by listing your startup and get a FREE backlink.

Create a profile in the F/MS Startup Game, add the link to your website and submit.

👉 List your startup now!

2. Brazil

Economic Powerhouse: As the largest economy in South America, Brazil is known for its influence and innovation in various sectors.
Female Entrepreneurial Activity: The female entrepreneurial activity rate stands at 23.1%, with women running approximately 10.1 million businesses.
Sector Diversity: Brazilian women entrepreneurs engage across diverse sectors, including fashion, technology, and social initiatives.
Startup Scene: With many incubators and accelerators, Brazil offers robust support for startups, enhancing the growth potential for female-led businesses.
Financial Support: Initiatives like EY's "Winning Women" and "Mulheres Empreendedoras" provide crucial funding and networking resources.
Discover Brazil's entrepreneurial initiatives
Boost Your SEO with 1,500+ Free Business Directories: increase your DA, get backlinks and traffic.

We've compiled an exclusive list of directories and websites where you can submit your business and start building high-quality backlinks to boost your website traffic and get your SEO snowball rolling.

👉 Submit your startup now!

3. Colombia

Resilience: Colombia has made remarkable strides in supporting female entrepreneurship, especially post-conflict.
Female Entrepreneurship Rate: Recent studies show that 26.1% of entrepreneurs in Colombia are women.
Growth Mindset: Colombian women often turn challenges into opportunities, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
Regional Ranking: The country secured the third position in the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs in 2021.
Strategic Areas: Women are increasingly participating in sectors such as profit and loss management and research and development.
Explore efforts supporting female entrepreneurs in Colombia

4. Chile

Innovation Hub: Home to recognized accelerator programs like Start-Up Chile, Chile supports innovative business ideas and startups.
Advancement of Women to Leadership: The country performs well in advancing women into leadership roles in business.
Female Entrepreneurship Rate: Approximately 25.2% of business owners in Chile are women.
Education Level: A significant proportion of female entrepreneurs in Chile have completed high school, reaching 45.2%.
Start-up Programs: The S Factory program specifically aims to increase female representation in startup ecosystems.
Learn more about innovation in Chile

5. Uruguay

Leading in Support: Uruguay was ranked the top Latin American country for supporting female entrepreneurship in 2021.
MIWE Index: The country scored 63.1 points on the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, ranking 16th globally.
Necessity-Driven Entrepreneurship: Although the rate of necessity-driven entrepreneurship is not particularly high, it shows a significant gender gap in the necessity sector.
Business Environment: Montevideo is considered one of the best cities for doing business in Latin America.
Pandemic Impact: Similar to other countries, more than 50% of woman-led businesses faced challenges due to the pandemic.
Find out more about entrepreneurship in Uruguay

6. Guatemala

Entrepreneurial Proportion: Guatemala has the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs in Latin America, with 28.2% reported in a 2024 study.
Challenges Faced: Despite high rates of entrepreneurship, many women face barriers such as access to funding.
Employment Trends: A substantial number of female entrepreneurs operate within necessity-driven businesses, reflecting broader economic issues.
Support Networks: Initiatives are growing to create more structured support networks for women in business.
Future Outlook: Ongoing efforts are expected to enhance women's access to resources and training.
Explore entrepreneurship opportunities in Guatemala

7. Ecuador

Leadership Development: Ecuador is launching a Female Leadership Programme aimed to graduate its first cohort in 2025.
Sector Growth: Women tend to dominate sectors focused on education and community development.
Inclusivity Initiatives: The government is increasingly prioritizing programs to improve access to financing and training for women entrepreneurs.
Networking Opportunities: Various organizations are establishing mentorship initiatives to support female entrepreneurs.
Economic Landscape: As economic conditions improve, female entrepreneurs may find more opportunities for growth.
Learn about Ecuador's initiatives for female entrepreneurs
Boost Your SEO by Getting Featured in Our Blogs and get a backlink.

We publish content about startups, education, tech, funding, etc. that ranks well not only in Google but also in Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.

👉 Get featured now!

8. Mexico

Percentage of Female Entrepreneurs: Although lower than some neighboring countries, Mexico reports a female entrepreneurship rate of 19%, with significant representation among younger women.
Demographic Insights: 49% of women aged 18 to 34 are involved in entrepreneurial activities.
Access to Capital: Many women face challenges in accessing funding, impacting their business growth.
Support Systems: Various incubators aim to provide women with resources and mentorship to enhance their success.
Long-term Growth: The entrepreneurial landscape is evolving, with increasing support for women-led enterprises.
Discover Mexico's entrepreneurial initiatives

9. Argentina

Activity Rate: Argentina has a notable female entrepreneurship rate at approximately 19.5%.
Business Sectors: Women entrepreneurs typically engage in e-commerce, services, and creative industries.
Financial Initiatives: The government has launched programs aimed at increasing women's access to capital.
Informal Business Challenge: Many women operate informal businesses, impacting their growth potential.
Support Programs: Initiatives aimed at mentorship and networking are expanding, helping women connect and grow their businesses.
Explore entrepreneurial opportunities in Argentina

10. Paraguay

Growing Landscape: There is an observable increase in the number of female entrepreneurs, though still in nascent stages.
Sectors of Influence: Women are particularly involved in agriculture and community services.
Access and Training: Efforts are underway to enhance access to training and resources for women entrepreneurs.
Cultural Support: Traditional cultural expectations often hinder women’s entry into business, but changes are emerging.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Initiatives promoting women's entrepreneurship are starting to gain traction.
Learn about Paraguay's entrepreneurial developments

11. Bolivia

Entrepreneurship Growth: Bolivia shows potential for female entrepreneurs, with rising numbers in various business sectors.
Supportive Environment: Various organizations are focusing on resources specifically for women in rural areas.
Women-Led Cooperatives: Increased interest in forming cooperatives helps empower women entrepreneurs.
Challenges: Women often face systemic barriers that inhibit growth and access to markets.
Future Investments: The focus on enhancing woman-led business initiatives is expected to provide more opportunities.
Discover Bolivia’s entrepreneurial landscape

12. Venezuela

Market Dynamics: Even amid economic crises, female entrepreneurship is resilient, with women stepping up to fill market gaps.
Sectors: Women commonly engage in retail and food services as pivotal contributors to the economy.
Social Initiatives: Women are turning to entrepreneurship to support their families in an unstable economy.
Networking Resources: Groups dedicated to women entrepreneurs are growing, providing much-needed support.
Future Trends: There could be a resurgence as economic conditions stabilize.
Learn about entrepreneurial dynamics in Venezuela

13. Guyana

Emerging Focus: Guyana is beginning to explore the potential of women in entrepreneurship in its small business sector.
Sector Variance: Women are primarily involved in agriculture and tourism.
Government Support: The government is making efforts to increase support for women's enterprise development.
Networking Space: Initiatives are encouraging networking among women entrepreneurs to bolster collaboration.
Path Forward: With investments in programs for women, the potential for growth is promising.
Explore Guyana's entrepreneurial efforts

14. Suriname

Entrepreneurship Rates: While still developing, Suriname shows a growing interest in women's entrepreneurship.
Market Opportunities: Women often engage in trade and small-scale farming.
Community Support: Local organizations are starting to advocate for women's entrepreneurial rights and access to funding.
Challenges Ahead: Economic conditions remain challenging; however, support is gradually increasing.
Investment Landscape: Training and development programs for women-led businesses are starting to emerge.
Discover entrepreneurial prospects in Suriname

15. French Guiana

Diverse Economy: Female entrepreneurs are beginning to gain traction in sectors such as tourism and retail.
Government Initiatives: Programs aimed at increasing the visibility and viability of women-led businesses are being prioritised.
Networking Opportunities: Support networks aim to connect aspiring female entrepreneurs with resources and mentors.
Sustainability Focus: Emphasis on sustainable business practices is creating new avenues in eco-friendly sectors.
Future Directions: As these initiatives grow, more networking and support will likely emerge to enable female entrepreneurs to thrive.
Learn about entrepreneurship in French Guiana
This landscape of female entrepreneurship across South American countries encapsulates the distinct challenges and opportunities present for women in business as we move toward 2025.
Join F/MS: Startup Facilitator & Incubator and unlock your startup dreams today! Get your first customers, register you company in the Netherlands and get startup visas for the team.

FAQ

Q: Which South American country has the highest female entrepreneurship rate?
A: Peru has one of the highest rates of female entrepreneurship in Latin America, with 36% of enterprises run by women. Learn more about Peru's female entrepreneurship.
Q: How many businesses are run by women in Brazil?
A: In Brazil, women run 10.1 million businesses, representing about 23% of all businesses in the country. Discover more about women's businesses in Brazil.
Q: What role do women entrepreneurs play in Colombia's economy?
A: Colombia has a female entrepreneurship rate of 26.10%, with women increasingly moving into strategic business areas. Read more on Colombia's female entrepreneurs.
Q: What is unique about the entrepreneurship scene in Chile?
A: Chile has the Start-Up Chile accelerator program, which supports startups and ranks high for the advancement of women in leadership roles. Explore Chile's startup ecosystem.
Q: How does Uruguay support female entrepreneurship?
A: Uruguay was ranked as the leading Latin American country for supporting female entrepreneurship and scored 63.1 points on the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs in 2021. Find out more about Uruguay.
Q: Which country has the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs in Latin America?
A: Guatemala has the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs, with 28.20% according to a 2024 study. Learn more about female entrepreneurship in Guatemala.
Q: What challenges do female entrepreneurs face in South America?
A: Women entrepreneurs in South America face considerable obstacles, including access to finance, gender bias, and the need for more robust support systems. Understand the challenges women face.
Q: What trends are expected for female entrepreneurship in 2025?
A: The year 2025 is anticipated to bring labor reforms aimed at advancing gender equality and combating workplace discrimination in several Latin American countries. Explore the future of female entrepreneurship.
Q: How are mentorship programs impacting female entrepreneurs?
A: There is a growing focus on mentorship and networking programs to support women entrepreneurs, helping them bridge the funding and resource gaps. Discover the importance of mentorship.
Q: What percentage of women-owned businesses plan to expand?
A: Survey data indicates that 57% of women-owned businesses plan to expand in the coming year. Read more about the growth plans of women entrepreneurs.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
2025-05-16 07:16 Top 15