Women’s Entrepreneurship: Universities Can Help Prepare a New Generation

Salma Soliman

(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Al-Fanar Media).

Today marks Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, a celebration that emphasises the vital role women play in fostering economic growth and innovation globally, as we acknowledge their achievements across various sectors.

This occasion should be used to raise awareness of gender disparities in business and advocate for greater balance in the entrepreneurial landscape. Achieving this requires leaders to put in place comprehensive, inclusive policies and equitable support systems that empower women to succeed. Promoting female entrepreneurship boosts economic stability, creates jobs, diversifies industries, and fosters new ideas.

Women have achieved significant milestones in entrepreneurship. Recent reports show that women make up 34 percent of global entrepreneurs. Universities and educational institutions play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs, both female and male, by offering support, guidance, and fostering innovation.

In this article, I explore the various ways universities can offer essential support to students, enabling them to become successful entrepreneurs across different fields.

Specialised Programmes in Business Management:

One of the key ways universities support aspiring entrepreneurs is by offering specialised academic programmes in entrepreneurship and management. Many institutions now provide degree programmes, minors, or elective courses in areas such as business development, innovation management, venture creation, and startup finance. These programmes combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, covering topics like market analysis, business planning, strategic decision-making, and financial management.

With guidance from experienced faculty and industry professionals, students gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of business management. Additionally, interdisciplinary approaches commonly found in universities foster collaboration across fields like technology, the arts, and sciences, encouraging innovative solutions.

Encouraging Connections with Industry Leaders and Professionals

Universities offer valuable networking and relationship-building opportunities by connecting students with entrepreneurs, alumni, and industry leaders. They provide them with platforms that allow for idea exchange, advice, and guidance throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

Mentorship programmes are organised to build confidence and provide practical knowledge for navigating the complex business landscape.

Additionally, universities host networking events, such as guest lectures by external speakers, which help students forge professional relationships with potential partners and investors.

These experiences enhance students’ understanding of market dynamics and create important connections that can benefit them in the future.

Business Incubators and Accelerators: 

Universities frequently offer business incubators and accelerators, providing supportive environments where students can develop, test, and scale their innovative ideas and businesses.

Incubators offer valuable resources such as office space, equipment, and technology, while accelerators provide intensive programmes designed to help new entrepreneurs rapidly refine their business models. These programmes also offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to funding, helping students advance their entrepreneurial ventures.

For instance, university-led incubators may offer workshops on prototyping, pitch preparation, and legal considerations, equipping students with the essential tools to bring their innovative ideas to life and prepare them for the market.

Work Experience and Projects: 

Gaining practical experience is a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship training in universities. Many institutions now incorporate experiential learning through internships, co-op programmes, and project-based courses, enabling students to tackle real-world business challenges.

Entrepreneurship competitions, which often require students to develop business plans or build prototypes under tight deadlines, help refine their problem-solving and teamwork skills. These experiences are essential for cultivating resilience, creativity, and adaptability, enabling students to overcome the fears and doubts often associated with entrepreneurship.

In conclusion, I think that universities play a vital and multifaceted role in nurturing future entrepreneurs by offering entrepreneurship-focused education, mentorship, practical experience, access to resources, and fostering a culture of innovation. By integrating theoretical learning with real-world application and building strong support networks, universities empower students to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.

As innovation and entrepreneurship continue to drive economic development and social progress, universities act not only as educational institutions but also as incubators and platforms, supporting students on their entrepreneurial journeys to become the change makers of tomorrow.

Salma Soliman is an assistant professor of business administration at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai.