The hidden realities of female entrepreneurship

The Rise Report 2026 offers one of the most honest looks at female founders UK challenges that I have seen in a long time.

Built from over 400,000 words of real founder experience, it goes beyond the polished version of entrepreneurship and into what it actually feels like to build a business.

And for many women, that experience is more complex than we often talk about.

Funding is not just difficult, it is draining

45% of founders surveyed said access to funding is their biggest barrier.

But the detail behind that number is where it really hits home.

• 78% reported negative experiences with public funding
• The median time spent on a single grant application was 60 hours
• 72% had negative experiences with private finance

What comes through clearly is not a lack of willingness to work hard. It is frustration with processes that feel unclear, time-heavy and often misaligned. When you are already running a business, that level of effort without certainty can be exhausting.

The loneliness that does not disappear with growth

One in seven female founders said loneliness and isolation is their biggest challenge. And what is particularly striking is that this does not necessarily change as businesses grow. Founders of larger businesses reported similar levels of isolation to those running smaller ones.

If you have ever felt like you are making decisions on your own or carrying the weight of your business entriely, this is more common than it might seem.

The reality of childcare and capacity

Another theme that continues to surface is childcare.

UK founders spend significantly more of their income on childcare than those in countries like Canada, and the wider economic impact of this is estimated at up to £38 billion annually.

But beyond the numbers, this is about capacity. Time, energy and financial pressure all play into how a business can grow. For many female founders, these are not background considerations. They are part of daily decision-making.

So what actually helps

Among all of this, the report is also very clear on what makes an actual difference.

• Peer and founder networks (39%)
• Mentorship and coaching (32%)
• Human connection (78%)

There is something reassuring in how consistent these answers are. Support does not have to be complicated. But it does need to be relevant, honest and accessible. The right conversation at the right time can change how you approach a challenge or even whether you keep going.

Where visibility fits into all of this

When in-person networking is not always possible, especially around caregiving responsibilities, showing up online becomes even more important. Not in a performative or polished way. But in a real, consistent and human way.

The report highlights that people want to buy from founders they feel connected to. That connection often starts with visibility. Whether that is through your website, your content or the way you talk about your work. If your online presence is unclear or not fully representing what you do, it can make an already challenging journey feel even harder.

This is something I support my clients with every day at Tree Duck Design. Creating websites that feel like a true extension of who they are, while also working strategically to attract the right people.

What needs to change

The founders in this report were also clear about what they want to see improved:

• Simpler and more transparent funding processes
• Mentorship that reflects real lived experience
• Networking that fits around real life
• Better reporting and accountability in investment

These are not unrealistic asks. They are practical shifts that would make entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable.

A final thought

There is a lot in this report that might feel familiar. The effort. The uncertainty. The moments of isolation. But there is also something else running through it. Connection. Most founders are not looking for shortcuts. They are looking for support that feels real, relevant and human.

If you are navigating your own version of this right now, you are not doing it wrong. And you are definitely not doing it alone. If you would like to explore how your website or messaging could better support you in being seen and understood, that is something we can work through together. Get in touch today.