Christchurch Foundation Launches Women's Entrepreneurship Fund to Empower Female Business owners.

The Christchurch Foundation is proud to announce its partnership with the donor, Joy Shivas, in establishing the Women's Entrepreneurship Fund. This initiative aims to provide scholarships and grants to female entrepreneurs, empowering them to shape our future through their innovative ventures. Joy Shivas recognizes the pivotal role of entrepreneurs in driving progress in our city and is dedicated to supporting more women to engage in this vital work.

With a focus on fostering gender diversity in the startup landscape, the Women's Entrepreneurship Fund has already distributed $48,000 including $10,000 each to three remarkable women; Lucy Pink from YouHeard, Jamie Tucker from Laughing Pukeko and Vicki Ledergerber from Vortek.

 In New Zealand, only one in five startups is led by women, and the majority of venture capital goes to men. This fund seeks to address this imbalance and provide a stepping stone for female entrepreneurs to succeed.

Christchurch boasts a robust startup ecosystem, making it an ideal environment for aspiring entrepreneurs. Christchurch Foundation CEO, Amy Carter encourages women who are about to embark on an entrepreneur incubator program to apply the Women's Entrepreneurship Fund. This is a remarkable opportunity to receive financial support while contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Recognizing the financial challenges faced by entrepreneurs during the early stages of their ventures, the Women's Entrepreneurship Fund goes beyond traditional support structures. The grants provided can cover a range of expenses, including business costs, childcare, and living expenses. The fund aims to alleviate financial burdens and enable female entrepreneurs to devote their full attention to nurturing their fledgling companies.

Isolation is a common hurdle experienced by female entrepreneurs, which can hinder their progress. Joy Shivas, the donor behind this initiative, is determined to shift the gender inequalities prevalent in the startup world. Through these grants, the Women's Entrepreneurship Fund offers encouragement and a financial safety net, ensuring female entrepreneurs feel supported as they take the leap towards success.

"We believe in the power of women to shape our collective future through entrepreneurship," said Amy Carter of the Christchurch Foundation. "The Women's Entrepreneurship Fund provides a platform for female visionaries to thrive, overcome barriers, and realize their potential. We encourage all eligible entrepreneurs to apply and wish them the best of luck on their journeys."