Starling Bank has partnered with Small Business Britain to boost female entrepreneurship and help women to start and grow their businesses.

Launching in early 2026, the scheme will provide a free training programme of online masterclasses and peer learning opportunities focused on building confidence, growth and financial skills.

Starling said the programme will also support mental resilience, financial wellbeing and community connection after research from Small Business Britain found that 60 per cent of female founders struggle to switch off from work.

Established female founders will lead the series of masterclasses, each of which are designed for women who have recently started their own businesses.

These include finance expert Faye Watts, who will help participants understand funding options and strategies for sustainable growth, while web design expert Cheryl Laidlaw will deliver an
“AI for Productivity” masterclass, exploring how AI can streamline operations, save time and support business expansion. 

Starling said that the scheme recognises the need for greater support for female founders given their key role in leading many of the country’s 5.6 million small businesses, adding that it will deepen their economic impact by providing them with the skills and resources they need to grow thriving businesses. 

“Starling is proud to be a female-founded bank. We stand behind female founders who are driving innovation and growth across the UK,” said Michele Rousseau, chief marketing officer at Starling. “This partnership with Small Business Britain reflects our commitment to helping people be good with money, whether that’s through financial tools, skills development, or simply celebrating their achievements.”

According to recent government research, while women led 14 per cent of SME employers in 2024, this figure has been declining steadily over recent years.

Women make up around 30 per cent of “solopreneurs,”, with Starling saying this indicates “significant” potential for female-led businesses to scale.

The Invest in Women taskforce estimates that if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men, up to £250 billion could be added to the economy.

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