New data from Gateshead-based NEL Fund Managers reveals that female-led businesses in the North East are engaging with debt finance at nearly double the national rate.

While national discourse often focuses on the disparity in venture capital—where female-founded businesses secure less than 2p of every £1 invested—the landscape for debt finance appears significantly more equitable. National figures indicate that female-led firms are as likely as their male-led counterparts to receive approval for loan applications; the primary barrier remains the lower rate of participation, with only one in seven businesses seeking such loans being female-led.

NEL Fund Managers reports that 25% of the business plans it received between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 came from female-led enterprises. During this period, these firms also accounted for a quarter of the total investments completed by the fund.

Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, said: "The statistics around female entrepreneurship are often dominated by venture capital figures, but those numbers don't tell the whole story.

"Our experience shows that female-led businesses are successfully securing debt finance and using it to grow, create jobs and invest for the future. The challenge is often ensuring founders are aware of the options available to them and feel confident engaging with the right type of funding at the right time.

"We're seeing strong levels of engagement from female-led businesses across our region, and there's a real opportunity to build on that momentum through greater awareness, stronger networks and increased visibility."

The firm attributes these outcomes to a relationship-based investment model that provides strategic guidance alongside capital. To further bolster the regional ecosystem, NEL has launched its "Female Founders Fireside" series in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs and the NatWest Accelerator, aimed at building confidence among founders exploring external investment.

These efforts coincide with wider regional initiatives, including support from organisations such as Lifted Ventures and The Whole Point, designed to foster collaboration and growth for female-led enterprises.

"Debt finance can be a particularly attractive option for established businesses looking to invest in growth while retaining ownership and control," added Susan.

"By helping founders understand the full range of funding options available, we can ensure more businesses have the information they need to access the right finance for their growth ambitions and continue building successful companies across the North East and beyond."