By Luiz D’Elboux – Country Manager Brazil – GoDaddy
São Paulo, November 2024 – Companies created and led by women contribute to local economies, create new jobs and support families, making support for women in digital entrepreneurship essential and working to ensure that opportunities are inclusive for all. The 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Survey by GoDaddy showed that 56% of the Brazilian respondents identified as women entrepreneurs
With that in mind, theWomen's Entrepreneurship Day, what is celebrated on this day, November 19, offers an opportunity to recognize the impact of women in entrepreneurship, assess the current scenario they face and share insights on the ways in which they continue to thrive
Women can start an online business with a digital device at any time
A new era of opportunities and accessibility for women entrepreneurs is underway. Women entrepreneurs in Brazil are more likely to be younger than men; almost three in every 10 (29%) of the surveyed women entrepreneurs are under 30 years old, in comparison with only 21% of men. Furthermore, more than half (56%) of female entrepreneurs in Brazil said they did not complete university, debunking a commonly perceived requirement to start a business
These data highlight that women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and at different stages of life are more empowered than ever to take their business idea online due to the available digital technologies
In Brazil, they also show more optimism. In the next three to five years, 46% of the surveyed women said they expect their businesses to grow rapidly (defined as growth of at least 50%), more than the 33% of male entrepreneurs in Brazil who expect the same growth
With the rapid approach of a new year, the optimism of these interviewees encourages aspiring entrepreneurs in Brazil and around the world to consider taking the leap to become business owners
AI technologies can help level the playing field, but more support is needed
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to play a key role in supporting women entrepreneurs, helping to level the playing field, facilitating the start of your own business
Brazilian women not only adopt AI technologies more, but they also show more confidence in their ability to navigate and leverage them in their businesses (92% of women vs. 90% of men, demonstrating a confidence and resilience that are useful to thrive against larger and more resourceful companies before the important holiday shopping season
However, although AI can provide support in a variety of essential business tasks, guidance and counseling are another important topic for entrepreneurs in Brazil
More than three in five (63%) Brazilian women reported that they sought guidance or mentoring in their entrepreneurial journey so far, more than men (48%).This desire for guidance from entrepreneurial women highlights an opportunity for leadership, policy makers and other organizations engage in promoting business growth for those interested in starting their own venture
Women-owned businesses are leveraging AI to maximize online sales channels
Another interesting finding from GoDaddy's research was the importance of online sales channels for women-owned businesses. Among the companies that generate at least 26% of their annual revenue from online sales channels, women-owned businesses rely more on these platforms to help reach customers and sell products and services to them than men do
In today's digital environment, customers expect to find dynamic multimedia marketing in online sales channels of companies of all sizes. Furthermore, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have launched integrated shopping features, allowing companies to sell across a variety of channels within their digital presence to help engage with more customers and grow their business.
Brazilian women entrepreneurs are proactively acting in this area to leverage AI resources and, in turn, they are realizing their benefits to continue thriving. When asked about which areas of their businesses they think would benefit the most from AI, marketing was the most common response among Brazilian women by a significant margin: 81%
Concluding, the advances in digital technologies are empowering women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and at different stages of life to not only set up an online business, but to feel optimistic about their entrepreneurial journey and to thrive by competing with larger companies with more resources. GoDaddy continues to support this new wave of women entrepreneurs and small business owners with its range of readily available products and resources
