Top 25 Cities for Female Entrepreneurs in South America in 2025

In 2025, South America shows promising opportunities for female entrepreneurs across various industries. Each city offers unique advantages, from robust startup ecosystems to supportive networks for women in business. Below is a curated list of the Top 25 Cities for Female Entrepreneurs in South America, showcasing entrepreneurial activity, access to resources, economic factors, gender equality, and startup ecosystems.

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1. São Paulo, Brazil

Entrepreneurial Activity: High concentration of startups, with women representing 27% of entrepreneurs in Latin America. 1
Access to Resources: Significant VC funding, strong startup ecosystem, presence of large tech companies. 19, 36
Economic Factors: Largest city in South America, major economic hub with a growing tech market. 6, 36
Gender Equality: Brazil is part of region with the highest rate of female entrepreneurship. 4
Startup Ecosystem: Considered the "Silicon Valley of Latin America", with a thriving tech and innovation culture. 36

2. Bogotá, Colombia

Entrepreneurial Activity: Colombia has a relatively high rate of female entrepreneurial activity in the region, with 26.1% entrepreneurial activity rate in 2021-2023. 3
Access to Resources: Growing startup scene, access to accelerator programs and mentorship initiatives. 7
Economic Factors: A major economic center with a growing market. 6
Gender Equality: Increasing efforts to promote gender equality, although inequality remains a challenge. 2, 20
Startup Ecosystem: A rising startup ecosystem. 8

3. Santiago, Chile

Entrepreneurial Activity: Chile has a growing female entrepreneurship. 7
Access to Resources: Strong startup scene, "Chilecon Valley", government-led funding programs. 8
Economic Factors: Low tax rates and high trade deals. 8
Gender Equality: Chile is committed to reducing gender inequalities in the workplace. 13, 14
Startup Ecosystem: A growing startup ecosystem, known as the Chiliceon Valley. 8

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4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Entrepreneurial Activity: Argentina has a good rate of female entrepreneurship. 3
Access to Resources: Home to NXTP Labs, a well-known accelerator with a focus on female founders. 7, 15
Economic Factors: Second-largest metropolitan area in South America, significant market size. 6, 15
Gender Equality: Strong potential innovation rate for business development for women entrepreneurs. 4
Startup Ecosystem: A vibrant startup scene. 15

5. Medellín, Colombia

Entrepreneurial Activity: A growing small business scene. 15
Access to Resources: Increasing number of startup events and opportunities for networking. 15
Economic Factors: Low cost of living and high quality standard of living. 8
Gender Equality: Has initiatives towards gender equality, yet it still has inequalities in the region. 2, 20
Startup Ecosystem: A growing technology sector. 8

6. Mexico City, Mexico

Entrepreneurial Activity: Increasing rates of female entrepreneurship. 4
Access to Resources: Growing tech scene, investment opportunities. 19
Economic Factors: Large market size, and a gateway to Latin America. 6, 19
Gender Equality: While making progress, gender inequality remains a major issue. 1, 2, 20
Startup Ecosystem: Emerging as one of Latin America's promising tech hubs. 19

7. Montevideo, Uruguay

Entrepreneurial Activity: Uruguay has a growing number of female entrepreneurs. 3
Access to Resources: Strong infrastructure and a stable economy. 6
Economic Factors: A stable economy and business environment. 6
Gender Equality: Uruguay has made significant progress on gender equality in the region. 13, 14, 20
Startup Ecosystem: Developing innovation and tech scene. 6

8. Monterrey, Mexico

Entrepreneurial Activity: Growing entrepreneurship scene. 8
Access to Resources: Tech sector growing faster than the global average. 8
Economic Factors: Large trade partner with the U.S., and has a large GDP. 8
Gender Equality: While having some improvements in the gender gap, still presents inequalities. 1, 2, 20
Startup Ecosystem: Ideal for new entrepreneurs, growing tech sector. 8

9. Quito, Ecuador

Entrepreneurial Activity: High female engagement in early-stage startups. 3
Access to Resources: Mentorship programs and business networking opportunities available. 7
Economic Factors: Cost of living is relatively affordable. 10
Gender Equality: One of the pioneering countries for women's suffrage in Latin America. 33
Startup Ecosystem: A growing, though still developing, startup scene.

10. Asunción, Paraguay

Entrepreneurial Activity: Growing business activity in the region. 4
Access to Resources: Developing ecosystem. 2
Economic Factors: Relatively low cost of living. 9, 10
Gender Equality: Challenges in gender inequality still present, with initiatives for improvement. 2, 13, 20
Startup Ecosystem: Emerging innovation sector. 2

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11. Lima, Peru

Entrepreneurial Activity: Increasing rates of female entrepreneurship. 1
Access to Resources: Growing capacity for innovation and support for startups.
Economic Factors: Relatively affordable cost of living and a growing economy.
Gender Equality: Progress in gender equality initiatives.
Startup Ecosystem: A promising, though still developing, innovation ecosystem. Learn more about entrepreneurship in Lima

12. Guadalajara, Mexico

Entrepreneurial Activity: Rising tech and innovation sector.
Access to Resources: Growing investment opportunities and entrepreneurial support.
Economic Factors: Increasing GDP and proximity to the U.S. market.
Gender Equality: Efforts to improve gender parity in business.
Startup Ecosystem: Known as Mexico's Silicon Valley. Discover Guadalajara's startup ecosystem

13. Florianópolis, Brazil

Entrepreneurial Activity: Emerging tech hub with a vibrant startup scene.
Access to Resources: Access to accelerators and venture capital.
Economic Factors: Increasingly attractive for tech entrepreneurs.
Gender Equality: Advancements in gender parity initiatives.
Startup Ecosystem: Growth in technology and innovation sectors. Explore Florianópolis' startup landscape

14. Valparaíso, Chile

Entrepreneurial Activity: Support for tech and creative industries.
Access to Resources: Increasing access to funding and mentorship.
Economic Factors: Affordable cost of living with economic growth.
Gender Equality: Improvements in gender equality in recent years.
Startup Ecosystem: Developing a supportive tech ecosystem. Discover more about Valparaíso

15. Mendoza, Argentina

Entrepreneurial Activity: Increasing numbers of female-led startups.
Access to Resources: Growing access to entrepreneurial programs and support.
Economic Factors: Cost of living balance with increasing economic opportunities.
Gender Equality: Gender equality initiatives gaining traction.
Startup Ecosystem: Emerging tech and innovation hub. Learn about Mendoza's entrepreneurial scene

Additional Emerging Hubs:

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16. Curitiba, Brazil

Entrepreneurial Activity: Increasing startup activity.
Access to Resources: Government support and incubation programs.
Economic Factors: Relatively stable economic conditions.
Gender Equality: Initiatives to promote gender equality.
Startup Ecosystem: Growing innovation sector.

17. Barranquilla, Colombia

Entrepreneurial Activity: Growing interest in startups.
Access to Resources: Development of entrepreneurial support programs.
Economic Factors: Growing economic opportunities.
Gender Equality: Commitments to reducing gender inequality.
Startup Ecosystem: Developing innovation landscape.

18. Recife, Brazil

Entrepreneurial Activity: Support for tech and creative projects.
Access to Resources: Diversifying funding opportunities.
Economic Factors: Competitive cost of living.
Gender Equality: Efforts to bridge gender gaps.
Startup Ecosystem: Supportive tech community.

19. La Paz, Bolivia

Entrepreneurial Activity: Emerging interest in startups.
Access to Resources: Development of entrepreneurial programs.
Economic Factors: Low cost of living.
Gender Equality: Continuous improvement efforts.
Startup Ecosystem: Developing innovation sector.

20. Caracas, Venezuela

Entrepreneurial Activity: Increasing entrepreneurial activities despite economic challenges.
Access to Resources: Emerging entrepreneurial support ecosystems.
Economic Factors: Challenges with economic stability.
Gender Equality: Ongoing gender equality initiatives.
Startup Ecosystem: Emerging tech-based startups.

21. Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Entrepreneurial Activity: A growing number of startups.
Access to Resources: Support from local organizations.
Economic Factors: Balanced cost of living.
Gender Equality: Gender initiatives in progress.
Startup Ecosystem: Increasing capacity for innovation.

22. Rosario, Argentina

Entrepreneurial Activity: Emerging entrepreneurial movement.
Access to Resources: Supportive local business environment.
Economic Factors: Economic growth potential.
Gender Equality: Efforts toward gender equality in business.
Startup Ecosystem: Growing tech industry.

23. Córdoba, Argentina

Entrepreneurial Activity: Increasing entrepreneurial ventures.
Access to Resources: Availability of accelerator programs.
Economic Factors: Competitive cost of living.
Gender Equality: Notable gender equality advancements.
Startup Ecosystem: Support for technology startups.

24. Manaus, Brazil

Entrepreneurial Activity: Growing tech startup scene.
Access to Resources: Availability of business incubators.
Economic Factors: Affordable living costs.
Gender Equality: Progress on gender equality initiatives.
Startup Ecosystem: Increasing entrepreneurial opportunities.

25. Fortaleza, Brazil

Entrepreneurial Activity: Emerging tech and creative initiatives.
Access to Resources: Supportive business community.
Economic Factors: Competitive cost-of-living environment.
Gender Equality: Initiatives to promote gender parity.
Startup Ecosystem: Developing support for startups.

Important Considerations:

Data Limitations: Many sources provide general trends rather than specific city rankings for female entrepreneurship.
Emerging Trends: The landscape of entrepreneurship is constantly changing, particularly for women.
Ranking Not Definitive: This is a compilation of available information and subject to change.

Additional Information:

Necessity-Driven Entrepreneurship: High percentage of female entrepreneurs in Latin America start businesses out of necessity rather than opportunity.

Digital Gap: Significant gender digital gap in Latin America, which disproportionately affects women in rural areas.

Support Networks: Networks for women are growing, providing access to mentors and resources.

Disclaimer: This list is based on the best available data as of today, January 17, 2025, and is intended as a starting point for further research.

For further details and sources, visit the links provided in each city's section. Stay updated on the evolving landscape of female entrepreneurship in South America.

No conclusions, just the provided data.

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FAQ

Q: What is the best city for female entrepreneurs in Brazil in 2025?

A: São Paulo is the best city in Brazil for female entrepreneurs, featuring a high concentration of startups, significant VC funding, and a strong startup ecosystem. Learn more about São Paulo.

Q: Which city in Colombia is growing as a startup hub for female entrepreneurs?

A: Bogotá is emerging as a promising startup hub with a growing startup scene and increasing entrepreneurial activity. Discover Bogotá's startup scene.

Q: What city in Chile is recognized for its strong startup ecosystem?

A: Santiago is known as "Chilecon Valley," with a strong startup ecosystem and government-led funding programs. Learn more about Santiago.

Q: Which Argentine city offers significant resources for female entrepreneurs?

A: Buenos Aires is home to NXTP Labs, an accelerator with a focus on female founders, and has a vibrant startup scene. Explore Buenos Aires.

Q: What are the economic benefits of starting a business in Medellín, Colombia?

A: Medellín offers a low cost of living, high quality of life, and an increasing number of startup events and networking opportunities. Learn about Medellín's advantages.

Q: Which Mexican city is known as a gateway to Latin America for entrepreneurs?

A: Mexico City is a large market with a growing tech scene and significant investment opportunities. Discover Mexico City.

Q: What makes Montevideo, Uruguay, an attractive city for female entrepreneurs?

A: Montevideo has a stable economy, strong infrastructure, and significant progress on gender equality. Learn more about Montevideo.

Q: Which Ecuadorian city has notable female engagement in early-stage startups?

A: Quito has high female engagement in early-stage startups and offers mentorship programs and business networking opportunities. Explore Quito.

Q: What is the key advantage of starting a business in Asunción, Paraguay?

A: Asunción offers a relatively low cost of living and an emerging innovation sector. Learn more about Asunción.

Q: Which city is dubbed the "Silicon Valley of Latin America"?

A: São Paulo is often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of Latin America" due to its thriving tech and innovation culture. Discover São Paulo's tech scene.

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.