Women´s entrepreneurship in Sweden Gunilla Lindner Vesterbotten Chamber of Commerce

- 9 million inhabitants - 700,000 companies - 68 % of companies comprise one person - 90 % have fewer than 5 employees Sweden Northern Norrland - 500,000 inhabitants - 30,000 companies - 66 % of companies comprise one person - 90 % have fewer than 5 employees

Parental benefits 390 days - 80 % of salary –60 days allocated to each parent 90 days - 18 € per day Gender Equality Bonus –The parent taking most paternal leave during the year pays less tax on earned income. Maximum bonus if the parents share parental leave equally. 120 days per year - home with sick child Childcare Maximum tariff 126 € per month students - no charge

Why invest in women? 30 % of new entrepreneurs 25 % of existing entrepreneurs 6 % of companies are run by women and men together Entrepreneurship is generally low in Sweden Especially among women Swedish government wants more companies started by women

Promote Women Entrepreneurship Swedish Agency of Economic and Regional Growth Minister for Enterprise and Energy - Maud Olofsson 10 million euro per year

Women are Great 55 women applied, only 15 places Two groups of women, 14 in each group Group 1 - Women who want to start a company Group 2 - Women who have already started a company Why two groups? Experience within a wide scope

What do they want? Sharing experiences Networking Entrepreneurship skills

Project activities Coaching seminar - daring to take the step/We who have taken the step Business and business plan/marketing plan and budget Self-esteem and confidence Making money and how to set the price level External and internal leadership Sales communications Marketing via the Internet/ website and e-commerce Insurance Personnel issues How choose the company name Selling by using your network How do the companies move on?

Results Women are Great 20 % started companies during the project period 20 % will start a company in five years 11 % have started to expand 100 % recommend this progarmme They have a network

Promote Women´s Entrepreneurship ,000 people have used the programme 26 % - started companies 33 % - more employees in five years 78 % - turnover will increase 86 % - increase their possibilities to develop the company 91 % - recommend this programme Results

Other projects Leia Accelerator Companies wishing to grow and learn Meeting-place with a flexible concept that encourages and develops human enterprise Establishing links with cooperation partners in Europe Ambassadors of women´s entrepreneurship To inspire women Role models Non-profit basis ”Styrelsekraft” Board Power National board representation programme

General comments Suscess stories Organising activities Networking Indicates the need for a different type of assistance for women