At GRASS CEILING, we are committed to highlighting and valuing the role of women entrepreneurs, especially those who are transforming their rural communities. A recent study (see here) by the Spanish Entrepreneurship Observatory (Observatorio de Emprendimiento de España) and Reale Seguros, focusing on women aged 18 to 45 in Spanish municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, confirms the crucial impact of this group.
A key group for rural revitalisation
The report highlights that young rural woman are an essential driving force for the development and revitalisation of less populated areas. Their entrepreneurial initiatives generate a significant economic and social impact on the local territory, offering valuable opportunities for those who wish to start businesses in rural areas.
Historically, rural women have played a fundamental role in supporting their families, combining domestic tasks with agricultural and livestock work. However, they have often been excluded from management and decision-making. This study reveals a positive change, where young rural women are taking on leadership and entrepreneurial roles.
Revealing data and opportunities
Entrepreneurial participation: Young rural women participate more in entrepreneurship than rural men but less so than urban women.
Long-term success: Young rural female entrepreneurs are more successful at consolidating long-term businesses than both urban women and rural men.
Motivation: Job scarcity is the main driver of entrepreneurship for rural and urban women, as well as for rural men.
Skills and knowledge: Nine out of ten young rural women feel capable of starting a business but this is slightly lower than among urban women and rural men.
Support networks: Four out of five young rural female entrepreneurs maintain contact with other entrepreneurs.
Opportunities and perception: Although they identify fewer opportunities than urban women, most rural women see entrepreneurship as a good career option.
Economic and social impact: More than half of young rural female entrepreneurs have employees, and two thirds plan to create more jobs. Seven out of ten prioritise social and environmental impact over profitability.
Innovation and technology: Young rural female entrepreneurs use technology at a moderate to high level, with one third innovating in products and services. Forty percent export to international markets.
Sustainability: A third of rural female entrepreneurs are aware of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and many implement measures to reduce their environmental impact.
Digital adaptation: More than half of rural female entrepreneurs have adapted their use of digital technologies during the pandemic, and many plan to increase their use in the future.
GRASS CEILING: Supporting Rural Female Entrepreneurship
At GRASS CEILING, we celebrate this data and reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting women entrepreneurs in rural areas. We believe in their potential to transform their communities and build a more prosperous and sustainable future. This study provides us with valuable information to continue working on creating opportunities and strengthening support networks for these inspiring women.
This article highlights the importance of rural female entrepreneurship and how GRASS CEILING aligns with this movement.
Images: some of the rural women entrepreneurs participating in the Spanish Living Lab of this project. Cover image: Extracted from the Spanish Entrepreneurship Observatory website.
