Singapore: Empowering Inclusive Growth Through Women Entrepreneurship
Women entrepreneurs play an important role in Singapore’s economy. They build businesses, create jobs, and bring new ideas to market.
Supporting the growth of women-led businesses also strengthens the SME sector and broadens participation for sustainable economic growth.
At UOB, we work with women-led businesses at different stages of development, from start-ups finding their footing to established companies preparing for transformation or regional expansion.
Our support combines banking solutions with practical opportunities to learn, make connections, and build business capabilities.
Women-led businesses across Singapore’s SME Landscape
Across our SME Banking (Emerging Enterprise) portfolio, nearly half of our customers are women-led businesses* as of August 2026. This sizeable share reflects the growing contribution of women entrepreneurs to Singapore's business community.
*Women-led businesses include female sole proprietors, beneficial owners, majority shareholders and women in key decision-making roles.
Women-led businesses in UOB’s portfolio operate across Retail, Consumer and Household Services, F&B, Building & Construction, Healthcare, Investment Holding and Other Services.
Many demonstrate resilience and longevity, with a significant proportion having been in business for more than a decade – a testament to female leadership representation among both emerging and established SMEs.
Support beyond financial services
Access to finance matters, but business owners also need knowledge, trusted advice and connections.
UOB has built a comprehensive ecosystem that extends support beyond day-to-day banking needs.
Through its UOB Womenpreneur series, women business owners can connect with industry leaders, mentors and ecosystem partners. Capability-building programmes, networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing sessions help participants prepare for business growth and transformation.
Since 2021, UOB’s digitalisation, innovation and leadership development programmes have supported nearly 2,000 businesses.
Learning from other women in business
The impact of these programmes is reflected in the experiences of participants.
Claire Ariela Shen, Chief Heritage Officer of Dona Manis Cake Shop, shared that "entrepreneurship does not have to be a solitary journey".
Belinda Yeo, Director of Innovez Engineering, described the programme as "an opportunity to interact with and glean from other female business leaders in different industries".
Ethel Tan, Co-Founder of Edith Patisserie, used insights from mentorship and business model workshops to identify new growth opportunities and strengthen her business's community impact.
These experiences underscore the value of combining financial support with mentorship, education and community-building.
How mentorship supports business growth
The UOB Women in Business Programme complements the Womenpreneur series by providing women entrepreneurs access to business education, mentorship, industry expertise and peer networks.
Participants build capabilities, navigate growth challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration and expansion through these sessions.
Participants have responded well to the mentorship model, particularly the personalised guidance and access to senior business leaders.
Bridget Tai, Executive Director of Sonata Dancewear, said her mentorship journey helped her think more strategically about scaling her business and pursuing growth opportunities beyond Singapore.
Financing, mentorship, capability development and strategic partnership can help women-led businesses become more resilient and position them for long-term success.
Supporting women entrepreneurs at every stage
As women continue to shape Singapore's entrepreneurial future, UOB remains committed to supporting them across every stage of their business journey, from start-up and growth to transformation and regional expansion.
By combining financial solutions with industry expertise, valuable connections and business-enablement programmes, the Bank seeks to empower more women entrepreneurs to realise their ambitions and seize new opportunities.
Business owners who are not yet part of the UOB community are invited to connect with us and explore how our expertise, networks and support programmes can help unlock your next phase of growth.
Frequently asked questions about women entrepreneurship and UOB
These initiatives have supported nearly 2,000 businesses – helping participants strengthen capabilities, uncover new growth opportunities, and build valuable professional connections.
This programme provides women entrepreneurs with access to business education, mentorship, industry expertise, and peer networks.
