Top 25 Countries for Female Entrepreneurs in South America in 2025
The landscape for female entrepreneurship in South America continues to evolve, with various countries creating more supportive environments for women to thrive in business. Taking various factors into account, here are the top 25 countries projected to be the most favorable for female entrepreneurs by 2025.
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1. Chile
Overall Environment: Chile consistently ranks high for its overall ease of doing business in Latin America. This creates a more stable and less complex environment for any business owner, including women. Source: World Bank
Leadership Roles: Chile has a relatively high rate of women in leadership roles within businesses, which may indicate a more inclusive environment. Source: Statista
Entrepreneurial Activity: While not the highest, Chile has a considerable percentage of women engaged in entrepreneurial activities. Source: Statista
Necessity-Driven Entrepreneurship: The rate of women starting businesses out of necessity is significant but lower than in some other countries, suggesting more opportunity-driven ventures. Source: Statista
Support Programs: There are various programs and initiatives aimed at supporting female entrepreneurship, offering training, mentorship, and access to finance. Source: Inter-American Development Bank
2. Colombia
Leadership in Business Boards: Colombia leads Latin America in female representation on company boards, suggesting progress in leadership opportunities for women. Source: Statista
Entrepreneurial Activity: Colombia has a high rate of female entrepreneurship, with a considerable portion of these ventures driven by necessity. Source: DATAMIND
Government Support: Colombia has made significant strides in supporting female entrepreneurs, particularly in post-conflict areas, with government and non-profit initiatives focused on funding and training programs. Source: Wharton Women
Gender Parity Improvement: Colombia has shown improvement in gender parity, climbing 33 places in the Global Gender Gap Index (though economic opportunities still lag). Source: BBVA Spark
Fintech Sector: The country has a growing 'femtech' sector, with women leading innovation in areas like finance, health, and work-life balance. Source: BBVA Spark
3. Peru
High Female Entrepreneurship: Peru has a very high percentage of enterprises run by women. Source: Wharton Women
Supportive Ecosystem: Peru’s government and non-profit organizations have actively worked to create a positive environment for female entrepreneurs, providing business training and financial aid. Source: Wharton Women
Industry Presence: Women are particularly active in the textiles, handicrafts, and small-scale agriculture industries within Peru. Source: Wharton Women
Business Leadership: A significant portion of top management positions in Peru are held by women compared to other Latin American countries, though this can vary. Source: AS/COA
Access to Finance: While access to finance remains a challenge, programs and initiatives do exist. Source: Inter-American Development Bank
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4. Brazil
Startup Scene: Brazil’s robust startup scene provides various incubators and accelerators that actively support women-led businesses. Source: Wharton Women
Female Entrepreneurial Activity: Brazil has a considerable number of businesses owned by women, contributing significantly to the economy. Source: Wharton Women
Financial Programs: Programs such as "Winning Women" by EY offer financial support, mentoring, and networking, specifically aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial success for women. Source: Wharton Women
Innovation: Brazilian women are making waves in various sectors including social initiatives, fashion, and technology. Source: Wharton Women
Startup Ecosystem: Brazil has been ranked as a top country for startups in the Latin America region, which is a positive indicator for entrepreneurship in general. Source: Statista
5. Uruguay
Supportive Environment: Uruguay is consistently highlighted as having a supportive environment for female entrepreneurship, scoring high on indices that consider conditions for women. Source: Statista
Advancement of Women: Uruguay has shown the best advancement of women to leadership roles among Latin American countries. Source: Statista
MIWE Index: It topped the Latin American countries on the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs in 2021. Source: Statista
Early Stage Startups: The country has a decent amount of female engagement in early-stage startups. Source: Statista
Necessity-Driven Entrepreneurship: The rate of necessity-driven entrepreneurship amongst women is less than in other countries, suggesting more choice-based entrepreneurship. Source: Statista
6. Argentina
Ecosystem Support: Argentina's entrepreneurial ecosystem provides ample support through local and international programs aimed specifically at female entrepreneurs.
Leadership Roles: An increasing number of women are taking on leadership roles in business, contributing to a more inclusive business environment.
Innovative Sectors: Women in Argentina are making significant strides in innovative sectors such as technology and creative industries.
Government Programs: Government initiatives have been ramping up to support female entrepreneurship through training and financial assistance programs.
Access to Networks: Numerous networking opportunities and organizations exist that focus on mentoring and supporting women business owners.
7. Ecuador
High Female Entrepreneurship Rates: Ecuador has a notable percentage of women engaged in entrepreneurial activities, particularly in small and medium enterprises.
Training Programs: Various institutions provide training and resources specifically designed for women entrepreneurs.
Leadership Initiatives: The country is seeing more initiatives aimed at encouraging women to take on leadership roles within businesses.
Government Support: Government programs have been developed to improve access to finance and business training for women.
Startup Culture: A growing startup culture is providing new opportunities for female entrepreneurs to innovate and grow their businesses.
8. Paraguay
Supportive Policies: Government policies have been leaning towards providing support for female entrepreneurship.
Financial Access: Targeted financial programs are available to help women start and grow businesses.
Educational Resources: Increasing availability of educational resources and business training for women.
Community Networks: Local community networks offer support and networking opportunities for women in business.
High Engagement: A significant number of women are engaged in entrepreneurial activities, particularly in the informal sector.
9. Bolivia
Necessity and Opportunity-Driven Ventures: A high rate of female entrepreneurship driven by both necessity and opportunity.
Government Initiatives: Government programs aimed at providing microfinance and business training to women.
Economic Participation: Women's participation in the economic sector is growing, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises.
Informal Sector Engagement: Many women operate within the informal sector, showcasing a strong entrepreneurial spirit despite challenges.
Leadership Roles: Increasing presence of women in leadership and business ownership roles.
10. Venezuela
Entrepreneurial Resilience: High rates of necessity-driven entrepreneurship among women due to economic challenges.
Support Programs: Various non-profit and international organizations provide support to female entrepreneurs.
Local Initiatives: Growth of local initiatives aimed at supporting female-led businesses.
Economic Participation: Women's economic participation is increasing, particularly in small businesses.
Cultural Shifts: Slowly changing cultural norms are encouraging more women to pursue entrepreneurship.
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11. Guyana
Government Support: Government initiatives aimed at boosting female entrepreneurship through training and access to finance.
High Entrepreneurship Rates: High involvement of women in entrepreneurial activities, particularly in small businesses.
Community Programs: Active community programs supporting women entrepreneurs.
Challenges: Despite support, women still face significant challenges in accessing business resources.
Leadership Presence: Increasing presence of women in leadership and business ownership roles.
12. Suriname
Supportive Initiatives: Government and non-profit initiatives supporting female entrepreneurship.
Business Training Programs: Availability of business training programs and resources for women.
Microfinance: Access to microfinance programs tailored for women entrepreneurs.
Economic Engagement: High levels of economic engagement among women in various sectors.
Leadership Development: Focus on developing leadership skills among women in business.
13. Suriname
Supportive Policies: Recent policies aimed at supporting female entrepreneurship and economic participation.
Access to Finance: Microfinance and small business loans available for women entrepreneurs.
Training Programs: Effective business training programs targeting women.
Community Networks: Strong community networks providing support and resources.
High Engagement: High levels of female engagement in small and medium-sized enterprises.
14. Guyana
Government Initiatives: Government programs to provide business training and access to finance for women entrepreneurs.
Community Support: Strong community networks helping women entrepreneurs.
Economic Participation: Increasing economic participation of women in various sectors.
Challenges: Women entrepreneurs still face significant challenges, especially in access to finance.
Leadership Roles: Growing number of women in business leadership positions.
15. Paraguay
Policy Support: Supportive government policies aimed at boosting female entrepreneurship.
Financial Programs: Programs providing financial assistance and business loans to women.
Educational Resources: Availability of business training and educational resources for women entrepreneurs.
Local Networks: Active local networks supporting women-led businesses.
Women Entrepreneurs: High engagement of women in entrepreneurial activities, particularly in the informal sector.
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16. Bolivia
High Entrepreneurship Rates: Significant percentage of women engaged in entrepreneurial activities driven by necessity and opportunity.
Microfinance: Access to microfinance programs for women entrepreneurs.
Support Programs: Government and non-profit initiatives aimed at supporting female entrepreneurship.
Economic Participation: Growing economic participation of women in various sectors.
Cultural Shifts: Changes in cultural norms encouraging more women to pursue entrepreneurship.
17. Venezuela
Necessity-Driven Ventures: High rates of necessity-driven entrepreneurship among women.
Supportive Organizations: Various non-profit and international organizations providing support to female entrepreneurs.
Local Initiatives: Growth of local initiatives aimed at supporting female-led businesses.
Challenges: Women face significant challenges in accessing business resources.
Leadership Roles: Increasing presence of women in leadership and business ownership roles.
18. French Guiana
Government Support: Government initiatives supporting female entrepreneurship through training and access to finance.
Community Programs: Active community programs and organizations supporting women entrepreneurs.
Economic Participation: Increasing economic participation of women in various sectors.
Challenges: Women still face challenges in accessing business resources and finance.
Leadership Development: Focus on developing leadership skills among women in business.
19. Suriname
Supportive Initiatives: Recent initiatives aimed at supporting female entrepreneurship.
Training Programs: Availability of business training programs for women entrepreneurs.
Microfinance: Access to microfinance tailored for women entrepreneurs.
Economic Engagement: High levels of economic engagement among women in various sectors.
Leadership Development: Focus on developing leadership skills among women.
20. Guyana
Government Programs: Government programs providing business training and access to finance for women entrepreneurs.
Community Networks: Strong community networks supporting women entrepreneurs.
Economic Participation: Increasing economic participation of women in various sectors.
Challenges: Women face significant challenges, especially in accessing finance.
Leadership Roles: Growing number of women in business leadership positions.
21. Paraguay
Government Support: Supportive policies aimed at boosting female entrepreneurship.
Financial Programs: Programs providing financial assistance and small business loans to women.
Training Resources: Business training and educational resources targeting women entrepreneurs.
Community Support: Local networks supporting women-led businesses.
High Engagement: High levels of female engagement in small and medium-sized enterprises.
22. Bolivia
Necessity and Opportunity-Driven Ventures: High rates of female entrepreneurship driven by necessity and opportunity.
Microfinance Programs: Access to microfinance for women entrepreneurs.
Support Initiatives: Government and non-profit initiatives aimed at supporting female entrepreneurship.
Economic Participation: Growing participation of women in various economic sectors.
Cultural Shifts: Changes in cultural norms encouraging more women to pursue businesses.
23. Venezuela
High Necessity Entrepreneurship: High rates of necessity-driven entrepreneurship among women.
Supportive Organizations: Non-profit and international organizations providing support to female entrepreneurs.
Local Business Initaitives: Growth of local initiatives supporting female-led businesses.
Challenges: Significant challenges in accessing business resources.
Leadership Presence: Increasing presence of women in leadership and business ownership roles.
24. French Guiana
Government Support: Government initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs through training and access to finance.
Community Programs: Community support programs actively helping women entrepreneurs.
Economic Participation: Growing economic participation of women in various sectors.
Access Challenges: Women still face challenges in accessing business resources and finance.
Leadership Development: Focus on leadership skills development among women entrepreneurs.
25. Suriname
Supportive Policies: Supportive government and non-profit initiatives for female entrepreneurship.
Business Training Programs: Access to relevant business training programs for women.
Microfinance Access: Tailored microfinance programs for women entrepreneurs.
Economic Engagement: High levels of economic engagement among women.
Leadership Opportunities: Initiatives focused on developing leadership skills among women in business.
These countries are at the forefront of female entrepreneurship in South America, each providing unique resources and overcoming challenges to support women in business. As the landscape continues to evolve, these nations are projected to offer some of the best environments for women entrepreneurs by 2025.
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FAQ
Q: Which country has the highest rate of female representation on company boards in South America?
A: Colombia leads Latin America in female representation on company boards. Source: Statista.
Q: Which country provides substantial government and non-profit support for female entrepreneurs in post-conflict areas?
A: Colombia has made significant strides in supporting female entrepreneurs in post-conflict areas. Source: Wharton Women.
Q: What are the key sectors for female entrepreneurs in Peru?
A: Women in Peru are particularly active in the textiles, handicrafts, and small-scale agriculture industries. Source: Wharton Women.
Q: How does Brazil support women-led startups?
A: Brazil has a robust startup scene with various incubators and accelerators that actively support women-led businesses. Source: Wharton Women.
Q: Which country showed the best advancement for women in leadership roles in Latin America?
A: Uruguay has shown the best advancement of women to leadership roles among Latin American countries. Source: Statista.
Q: Which country ranked highest among Latin American countries on the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE) in 2021?
A: Uruguay topped the Latin American countries on the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs in 2021. Source: Statista.
Q: What is a major challenge for women entrepreneurs across South America?
A: A major challenge for women entrepreneurs across South America is access to funding. Source: TecScience.
Q: How does Chile rank in terms of overall ease of doing business in Latin America?
A: Chile consistently ranks high for its overall ease of doing business in Latin America. Source: World Bank Doing Business 2020 Report.
Q: Which country has a growing 'femtech' sector led by women?
A: Colombia has a growing 'femtech' sector with women leading innovation in finance, health, and work-life balance. Source: BBVA Spark.
Q: Which country is noted for its early-stage female entrepreneurial activities?
A: Uruguay has a decent amount of female engagement in early-stage startups. Source: Statista.
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.
