Startups in 2025

Best Online Communities for Female Entrepreneurs (2027): 12 Women's Networks Compared, Free and Paid

TL;DR: what is the best online community for female entrepreneurs in 2027?

If you are starting out, begin with a free community: Lean In Circles for peer support, Female Founders Rise if you are in the UK, or the Fe/male Switch startup game, where you build a business with other women and an AI co-founder. If you want a paid network, WomenTech Network ($289 a year) suits women in tech, FemCity ($9.99 a month online) suits women who want weekly calls, and Women of Wearables (£100 a year) suits femtech founders. If you sell to large companies, register free with WEConnect International. Below are 12 women's communities and 3 open networking platforms we checked on their own websites in October 2026, with prices, who they suit and how to join.

👉 Build your first startup with other women in the Fe/male Switch game
A good female entrepreneurs community does three things: it puts you next to women one step ahead of you, it gives you a reason to show up every week, and it costs less than the time it saves you. Many lists still recommend groups that have closed, so we opened every website below in October 2026 and wrote down what each one actually says: who it is for, what it costs and how you get in.
This guide is about online and global communities. If you want groups in one place, see our lists for the Netherlands and Malta, or MeanCEO's picks of European female founder communities worth joining.

Online Communities for Female Entrepreneurs Compared (2027)

CommunityBest forCost (Oct 2026)Size (own figure)How to join
Fe/male SwitchFirst-time founders who learn by doingFree START tier; game from €2.5/month2,200+ in Startup SchoolSign up at femaleswitch.app
Lean In CirclesPeer support and confidenceFree170,000+ Circles, 180+ countriesJoin a Circle or start one
Female Founders RiseUK women and non-binary foundersFree (some programmes paid)11,000+ foundersOnline form
WEConnect InternationalSelling to big companiesFree registration (not for US firms)22,000+ businesses, 140+ countriesRegister your business
Women in Tech GlobalWomen in tech, any countryFree; Club €9/month65+ chaptersJoin online
Ellevate NetworkProfessional women and leadersPaid tiers; prices after free guest loginNot statedGuest account, then choose a plan
WomenTech NetworkWomen in tech careers$289/year Professional200,000+ membersBuy a membership
FemCityWeekly online calls$9.99/month onlineNot statedJoin online, cancel anytime
Female Entrepreneur AssociationOnline business ownersPrice not shown; waitlist1.1 million in networkJoin the waitlist
Women of WearablesFemtech and health tech£100/year individual20k+ membersBuy a membership
FounderlandWomen of colour, Europe and UKMembership comes with a grant application (€50 fee, waivers)Not statedApply as a founder
Female FoundersFounders raising money in EuropeCircle paid, price not shown87k+ membersApply or join a waitlist
Startup GrindLocal founder events, all gendersVaries by event300+ chaptersPick a local chapter
MeetupLocal in-person groupsGroup dues set by organizersNot listedJoin a group
LinkedInYour public business networkFree accountNot listedCreate a profile
Sources: each community's official website, checked 15 October 2026. Prices change; confirm on the site before you pay.

Best Free Communities for Female Entrepreneurs

Start here. A free women's online community lets you test whether you will actually show up before you spend money.

1. Fe/male Switch: a startup game with a built-in community

For: first-time founders, especially women, with or without an idea · Cost: free START tier; the paid PLAY tier has a free trial and starts at €2.5 a month · Size: 2,200+ entrepreneurs joined the Startup School
Full disclosure: this one is ours. Fe/male Switch is a startup game in which you build a real business step by step: you pick or generate an idea, validate it, build a landing page and pitch. You are not alone in it. Other players, Game Mistresses, mentors and experts work alongside you, and the AI co-founder Elona Musk and your AI buddy PlayPal give feedback on every task.
The free START tier includes many AI tools, the Skill Lab lessons and the Forum, where players talk to each other. The Lounge adds an anonymous option, so you can ask a sensitive question without your name on it. To run your own company in the game you need the PLAY tier. First step: take the Free Startup School (30+ modules, about 120 hours of content), then join the game on femaleswitch.app.

2. Lean In Circles: free peer groups in 180+ countries

For: women who want a small, steady peer group · Cost: free to start and join · Size: 170,000+ Circles in 180+ countries
Lean In Circles are small groups that meet regularly and use free discussion guides on topics such as negotiation, confidence and burnout. They are career-focused rather than founder-focused, so the best move is to start a Circle with four to eight women who run businesses. First step: look for an open Circle through someone you know, or start your own on the Lean In Circles page.

3. Female Founders Rise: free UK community for women and non-binary founders

For: UK women and non-binary business owners at any stage · Cost: free to join; some programmes and events are paid · Size: 11,000+ founders
Female Founders Rise runs a Fundraising Accelerator, a Personal Branding Challenge, a free Summer School, events across the UK and a weekly newsletter. Most of its value is online, but it is built for the UK market. First step: fill in the join form on femalefoundersrise.com and pick one upcoming event.

4. WEConnect International: free registration for women-owned businesses

For: businesses at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by women that want corporate or government buyers · Cost: registration is free; US-based businesses can't use this option · Size: 22,000+ women-owned businesses in 140+ countries
This is a business-to-business network, not a chat group. Registered businesses get a searchable profile on the WECommunity platform, news about buyer opportunities and limited access to WEConnect Academy training. Certification as a women-owned business is a separate, later step. First step: register your business with WEConnect International once you have a product a large company could buy.

5. Women in Tech Global: free tier with a €9 upgrade

For: women in tech and digital businesses worldwide · Cost: free (limited access); Club €9 a month; Council €249 a month · Size: 65+ chapters on six continents
Founded in 2018 and based in Paris, Women in Tech Global runs local chapters, free courses and an annual Global Summit. The Club tier adds workshops and a members-only Slack channel, which is the part most founders will use. First step: join free on the Women in Tech Global membership page and find your country chapter.

Paid Female Business Communities Worth Comparing

A paid female business community makes sense once you know what you need from it. Pay for access you can't get for free: a specific industry, buyers, investors or a weekly rhythm that keeps you working.

6. Ellevate Network: professional women and leaders

For: professional women and leaders who want structured networking · Cost: paid membership tiers; prices appear after you create a free guest account
Ellevate offers events, roundtables, chapters and community circles. It doesn't publish prices on its open pages, so create a free guest account first and compare the tiers before you commit. First step: open the Ellevate memberships page and sign up as a guest.

7. WomenTech Network: for women building tech careers and companies

For: women in technology roles, from junior to executive, and tech founders · Cost: Professional $289 a year; Founding $799 a year; Teams $205 per user a year · Size: 200,000+ members in 179 countries
The Professional membership includes a year of mentorship access, member-only networking events and a ticket to its global conference. It is strongest for women in tech careers; founders get the most from the mentorship and speaking options. The next Women in Tech Global Conference is listed for 2027. First step: compare the tiers on the WomenTech Network membership page.

8. FemCity: weekly online calls for women in business

For: entrepreneurs and professionals without a local chapter, or with busy schedules · Cost: Online Membership $9.99 a month; Local Membership has a free 30-day trial
FemCity, based in Miami, runs weekly Zoom sessions every Monday at 1 PM and 7 PM Eastern time, plus classes and roundtables. Billing is monthly and renews automatically; you cancel in your member dashboard at least 72 hours before the next payment. First step: join the online plan on femcity.com and attend two Monday calls before you decide.

9. Female Entrepreneur Association: for women building online businesses

For: women who run or want to start an online business · Cost: price not shown; doors are currently closed, with a waitlist · Size: 1.1 million women in its network; 40,000+ women built businesses with it
The FEA membership combines on-demand business classes, an online community and live calls. Because it opens and closes enrolment, you can't join right now. First step: join the waitlist on femaleentrepreneurassociation.com; you get a free personalised Profit Plan and an alert when doors open.

10. Women of Wearables: femtech, health tech and wearables

For: founders, designers, technologists and investors in femtech, women's health and wearables · Cost: £100 a year individual; £2,000 a year business · Size: 20k+ members globally
An industry community, not a general one. Members get a global directory, recorded webinars, a list of startup programs and a list of investors in the space, plus free access to its conferences and webinars. Memberships renew yearly and are non-refundable. First step: if you build in femtech, check the member directory on womenofwearables.com for three people to contact.

Female Founders Communities for Specific Groups

11. Founderland: women of colour founders in Europe and the UK

For: women of colour aged 18+ with a business at least 50% women-owned, based in Europe or the UK · Cost: community membership comes with a Forward Grant application (€50 fee, €25 for returning applicants, waivers available) · Grant: €10,000 equity-free, one to five per quarter
Founderland is a private network with founder profiles, a speaker directory and events. Every eligible grant applicant becomes a community member, whether or not she wins. The current window runs from 1 October to 31 December 2026. First step: read the rules on the Founderland Forward Grant page and request a fee waiver if you need one.

12. Female Founders: for women raising money in Europe

For: women building startups, plus angels and VCs · Cost: Circle is a year-long paid membership (price not published); the Bootcamp is a 4-week hybrid accelerator · Size: 87k+ members across Europe and beyond
Vienna-based Female Founders says it has 500+ VCs in its network. Its Female Founders Experience brings together 120 founders, investors and leaders by application. First step: follow its newsletter on female-founders.org and apply to the Bootcamp when you are close to raising.

Networking Platforms for Entrepreneurs (Open to Everyone)

Women-only spaces are great for honest advice, but customers, investors and co-founders are everywhere. These open networking platforms for entrepreneurs fill the gap. For a longer list, see our top networking platforms for entrepreneurs and the femaleswitch.org guide to networking platforms for female founders.

LinkedIn: your public business network

For: every founder · Cost: free account; paid upgrades are optional
LinkedIn is where buyers and investors check you before they reply. Use it to follow up after every community event instead of collecting contacts you never message. First step: rewrite your headline to say who you help and how, then connect with five women you met in a community this month.

Meetup: local groups and events

For: founders who want in-person events in their city · Cost: organizers pay a subscription and can set membership dues and event fees, so check each group
Search your city for founder, small business or women in business groups. If none exists, starting one is a fast way to become the connector in your area. First step: join two local groups and go to one event in the next 30 days.

Startup Grind: founder events in more than 100 countries

For: startup founders of any gender who want local events and speakers · Size: 300+ chapters; 5 million entrepreneurs reached, by its own count
Local chapters host monthly talks and networking, and the global conference is set for 27–28 April 2027 in Silicon Valley. Prices depend on the event. First step: find your city's chapter on startupgrind.com and attend one event. Then pair it with our list of startup events on female entrepreneurship.

Which Female Entrepreneurs Community Fits Your Stage?

Your situationStart withAdd later
No idea yet, or one rough ideaFe/male Switch START tier, Lean In CircleFree Startup School modules
Testing an idea, no salesFe/male Switch game, Women in Tech Global (free)FemCity weekly calls
First customers, growingFemCity, Female Founders Rise (UK)Ellevate or WomenTech Network
Selling to large companiesWEConnect International registrationWEConnect certification
Femtech or health techWomen of WearablesIndustry investor lists
Raising investment in EuropeFemale Founders, Founderland (women of colour)Startup Grind and local events
Still before your first startup? An online community works even better next to a structured program; see our list of online startup incubators for female entrepreneurs.

How to Choose a Women's Online Community

  1. Name one goal. Customers, a co-founder, funding, skills or emotional support. A community that promises all five usually delivers none well.
  2. Match your stage. Idea-stage founders get more from learning communities and peer circles; founders with revenue get more from buyer networks and industry groups.
  3. Start free for a month. Join one free group, post once a week and attend one event. If you didn't show up, a paid one won't fix that.
  4. Then pay for one thing you can't get free. An industry directory, a buyer network or a weekly call you'll actually attend.
If your goal is mainly to build a support system, our guide to finding your tribe in female founder communities goes deeper into what makes a group worth staying in.

Communities for Women That Closed or Changed

Older lists, including earlier versions of this page, recommended these. Here is what their websites showed in October 2026:
  • SheWorx: its website returns a 404 error.
  • Dreamers & Doers and The Refinery: their websites no longer load.
  • SheEO is now Coralus: CAD $1,100 per annual cycle (or $92 a month), and its join page no longer states a women-only rule.
  • Women Who Code: its own site says it closed in 2024.
  • Women 2.0: the newest dated article is from February 2022 and its registration form is disabled.
  • Women Who Tech: now mainly a startup grants program; no 2026 dates on its homepage.
  • The Women's Organisation (UK): its site now focuses on consultancy, programmes and policy, with no founder community to join.
  • UN Women, Girls Globe, Womankind Worldwide and Women Win: valuable charities, but not communities for entrepreneurs, so they are not in this list.

How to Get Value From a Female Business Community in 30 Days

  • Week 1: introduce yourself well. Write three sentences: what you do, who it is for and what you need right now. The free elevator pitch generator gives you a first draft in a minute.
  • Week 2: give before you ask. Answer two questions from other members. People remember who helped them.
  • Week 3: go to one live event and follow up with two people on LinkedIn within 24 hours. Our guide to networking skills for female entrepreneurs has scripts for this.
  • Week 4: ask for one specific thing, such as an intro, feedback on your landing page or a beta tester. Vague asks get ignored.
  • Keep a simple list of who you met, what they need and what you promised. Then decide whether to stay, upgrade or leave.
Mentors often come out of communities rather than mentoring programs; read how mentorship shapes female entrepreneurship success. And if you can't find the right group, build one: here is how to set up a community platform for local women's groups, and our startup community networking guide covers growing it.
Share what you learn as you go: a short post after each event keeps you visible in every community at once. Our free AI SEO article writer turns notes into a blog post, and if you run a community or product for women founders, you can get featured on the Fe/male Switch blog.
Build a startup with other women, not alone

In the Fe/male Switch startup game you work through real tasks with an AI co-founder, other players and mentors: validate an idea, build a landing page and pitch. The START tier is free.

👉 Start the Fe/male Switch startup game

Conclusion: Join One Community and Show Up Every Week

The best community for female entrepreneurs is the one you will use. Start with one free group that fits your stage, such as Lean In Circles, Female Founders Rise or the Fe/male Switch game, and give it a month. Then add one paid network that gives you something you can't get free: an industry directory, buyers or a weekly call. Skip the groups that have quietly closed, and use open networking platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup and Startup Grind to reach the customers and investors who aren't in women-only spaces.

FAQ: Online Communities for Female Entrepreneurs

What is the best online community for female entrepreneurs?

It depends on your goal. For free peer support, Lean In Circles. For learning by building a real startup with other women, the Fe/male Switch game. For women in tech, WomenTech Network or Women in Tech Global. For selling to large companies, WEConnect International.

Are there free communities for women entrepreneurs?

Yes. Lean In Circles, Female Founders Rise (UK), WEConnect International registration (outside the US), the free tier of Women in Tech Global and the Fe/male Switch START tier are all free to join.

How much does a female business community cost?

From free to a few hundred a year. In October 2026, FemCity's online plan cost $9.99 a month, Women of Wearables £100 a year and WomenTech Network's Professional membership $289 a year.

What is a women's online community?

A group where women connect online through forums, calls, chats or events to share advice and opportunities. For entrepreneurs, the useful ones focus on business: customers, funding, skills and accountability.

Which female founders community is best for raising money?

In Europe, Female Founders (Vienna) connects founders with its network of 500+ VCs, and Founderland offers €10,000 equity-free grants to women of colour founders in Europe and the UK. For grants, loans and investors you can apply to directly, see our guide to funding for female entrepreneurs.

What are the best networking platforms for entrepreneurs?

LinkedIn for your public network, Meetup for local groups and Startup Grind for founder events in more than 100 countries. Combine one open platform with one women-only community.

Is the Fe/male Switch community only for women?

The startup game is built for women: its Startup School says that for now it is only for women. The free START tier includes AI tools, Skill Lab lessons and the Forum.

How do I network as an introverted female founder?

Start online, where you can prepare. Write a three-sentence intro, answer other members' questions and choose small groups over big events. Our guide to networking without drinking has more low-pressure ideas.

Are there Slack or Discord groups for women founders?

Many exist, but they open and close quickly. We could not verify an active, open women-founder Slack or Discord group in October 2026, so look for the Slack channel inside a paid community, such as the Women in Tech Global Club.

How many communities should I join?

One or two. Joining five communities and posting in none gets you nothing. Pick one free group and, after a month, at most one paid one.

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. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
2026-10-15 18:32 Incubators