#SheFUND
Interest free loan for diverse womenpreneurs
Only 2% of investments are made in female founders.
Time for a change.
The entrepreneurial world is brimming with opportunities, yet diverse women still face systemic barriers that prevent their ideas and dreams from becoming thriving businesses. At #SheDIDIT, we have long aimed to create an diverse environment for womenpreneurs, empowering them through coaching, community, and shared knowledge. Despite our efforts, one critical challenge remains: access to funding.
Currently, only 2% of global investments go to female founders, with even fewer reaching women of color. This isn’t due to a lack of talent or ambition; rather, it stems from structural biases, lack of representation in leadership, and limited access to networks. These barriers create a challenging environment for women to thrive as entrepreneurs. Women of color often face a “double bias”—based on both gender and race—which complicates their ability to secure funding or gain industry recognition. Furthermore, the lack of female representation among venture capitalists and angel investors exacerbates this problem, leaving female-led startups underfunded. The European Investment Bank (EIB) highlights that addressing gender employment gaps could potentially increase global GDP by 26%, demonstrating that empowering women entrepreneurs benefits everyone.
#SheFUND was designed to address these challenges by offering interest-free loans ranging from €1,000 to €10,000 to diverse womenpreneurs. We provide more than just funding; we offer training that enhances investor readiness, such as creating investor-friendly financial plans and perfecting pitch presentations. Our mission is not only to bridge the funding gap but also to prepare women entrepreneurs to overcome systemic obstacles confidently and effectively.
Addressing the funding gap for diverse women entrepreneurs is not just an ethical issue; it’s an economic opportunity. Every womanpreneur supported by #SheFUND is not only contributing to her personal success but also helping to foster a more inclusive and dynamic economy. Let’s work together to ensure that every great idea has a chance to flourish.
The 2023 winners
- Iera Sih Nguijoel from Cuff Season: providing versatile and inclusive jewelry solution for wearing nose and ear cuffs without piercings.
- Lina Laplume from Plume Evasion: sustainable and experiential travel designer, specialized in Caribbean destinations.
- Aurelie Shomari from Mangazi Studio: making 3D visuals for architects and interior designers.
- Debora Nijs-Demeulemeester from Newds.be: selling sustainable beauty products and underwear in nude tones suitable for brown and black skinned toned women.
#SheFUND is a interest free loan system by #SheDIDIT in close collaboration with Funds For Good, microStart and Leaseline, fueled by the Foundation Roi Baudoin.
BECOME A CANDIDATE
#SheFUND provides a interest free loan to support your business start and/growth. If you ..
- Are 18 or older
- Have an officially registered business
- Are an #SheMeansBusiness alumnus or willing to join the program
- Need a loan of €1.000 – €10.000 to grow
- Have a business and financial plan
- Create impact aligned with one of the SDGs
- See future growth for your business as a key goal
// THE TIMELINE //
The process from start to finish will take about 5 months. During this period you’ll have access to workshops and business coaching. It’s advised to all applicants to respect these dates.
More about the workshops for those who are selected in round 1 and 2:
An event where entrepreneurs present their ideas to judges to secure funding.
The state of being prepared to receive investment, including having a solid business and financial plan.
Awareness and consideration of different cultural backgrounds in decision-making or business processes.
Small loans typically provided to entrepreneurs without access to traditional banking.
WORKSHOP 1: DESIGNING A FINANCIAL PLAN TO CONVINCE INVESTORS
By Bérénice Sunzu
In this workshop, you will learn how to design a financial plan that convinceas investors. We will guide you in outlining a clear funding strategy, detailing your capital requirements, potential uses, and how these align with your growth goals. You will also develop a solid revenue model that explains how your business will generate income, even if it’s not focused on large profit margins. Additionally, you will learn to create a straightforward budget breakdown to demonstrate how the funds will be used to achieve your objectives.
WORKSHOP 2: HOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT INVESTOR PITCH
By Wendy Agyin
Learn to pitch like a pro with our interactive workshop! In this workshop, you will discover the most effective pitching styles and create a compelling story to convince investors. Learn how to use storytelling techniques to hook your audience, build emotional connections, and guide investors from interest to action. We’ll help you develop a standout pitchdeck, focusing on market size, unique value, and financial potential. Plus, prepare to handle tough investor questions about your business model, financials, and market strategy.
// ABOUT #SHEMEANSBUSINESS //
One-on-one coachings program to turn your business vision into reality
#SheMeansBusiness is a personalized business coaching program for (pre-)starters and aimed to build a strong business. Additionally you’ll work with your business coach towards 3 objectives based on your needs and obstacles. By focussing on the end goal, we’re able to make significant progress during your trajectory with us. Our team of business coaches are experts in administratie and legal questions, business plan financial plan, marketing, and more.
Our mission is making entrepreneurship more female and diverse, that means that our business coaches have their own field of expertise such as non-profit, cosmetics, PR and marketing, e-commerce, catering and food, finances, retail, mindset, and so on. Everyone will find their fit with us!
To make sure our diverse entrepreneurs are set, we offer two services: a basic coaching trajectory (free) and a premium trajectory (paid, recognized pre-starters trajectory). Once your business coach contacts you, your trajectory starts. You have the freedom and flexibility to plan your sessions yourself.
Registration #SheFUND
BECOME A FUNDER
We believe that creating change starts with bringing people together. Our mission resonates with those who see value in a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. For those who want to make a difference, #SheFUND provides avenues for engagement, such as participating in our events, where you can have insightful discussions with aspiring womenpreneurs, and joining our network, where we will continue to share the success stories of our supported women, providing visibility into how your contributions make a tangible difference. What are some advantages?
- Make a societal impact by supporting a target group that truly needs it
- Share your expertise by becoming a mentor
- Enjoy a 45% tax advantage
- Suitable for smaller investment amounts
- Professional selection and coaching of founders is guaranteed
By participating, you’re not just supporting a cause—you’re investing in the future of diverse women-owned businesses and contributing to a more inclusive economic landscape. If you’re interested or in need of more information, please reach out to berenice@shedidit.be.
A WORD FROM OUR PARTNERS
Our partnership represents a strong commitment to encouraging female entrepreneurship and driving meaningful change. By combining #SheDIDIT’s expertise in empowering female entrepreneurs with Funds For Good’s impactful financial expertise, we are creating a powerful platform to support women who face barriers in accessing funding and business opportunities. This collaboration goes beyond providing financial resources—it also offers tailored support through coaching, networking, and visibility, helping female entrepreneurs grow with confidence. Together, we are addressing the gender gap in entrepreneurship and working to build a more inclusive business ecosystem where women have equal opportunities to succeed.
— Olivia Van Hellemont, Impact Coördinator
We believe in the power of inclusion and equal opportunities. With our focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as gender equality, reducing inequality, and promoting decent work and economic growth, our support for #SheDIDIT is a natural extension of our own commitment. Our SDG focused on education aligns perfectly with the coaching and open courses #SheDIDIT provides for its candidates. Even after the competition, we remain available for knowledge sharing. We are convinced that supporting more female entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds is a vital engine for economic growth and inclusion. By supporting the #SheFund, we hope to contribute to a world where every woman has equal opportunities to realize her entrepreneurial dreams.
— Barbara Rommens, Managing partner