Debt financing for gender equality in the EU: 2025 Mapping study

Promoting greater gender equality in the European Union could significantly boost the economy and create millions of jobs. Closing the gender finance gap can help banks leverage the investment opportunities presented by women entrepreneurs. However, despite the clear potential benefits, women entrepreneurs often face barriers in accessing finance, such as higher interest rates, stricter collateral requirements and lower funding amounts compared to men.

This study analyses the current landscape of debt financial and non-financial products targeting women entrepreneurs across EU countries, by identifying 95 products that financial institutions are already employing to better reach the women’s market. It also offers recommendations to financial institutions interested in introducing debt financial or non-financial products targeting female entrepreneurs.

The study is also available here.