Belfast and Dublin have been listed in the top 50 global cities in the Dell Technologies’ 2019 Women Entrepreneur Cities Index.
The Dell Technologies’ 2019 Women Entrepreneur Cities Index ranked 50 global cities on their ability to foster the growth of women-owned businesses.
Belfast ranked at 28, ahead of Dublin which was ranked 30th worldwide.
“Women are critical to our economy, starting businesses at exponential rates”
The global list was topped by the San Francisco Bay Area, chiefly because it was estimated to be one of the best places for women to gain access to capital.
“The San Francisco Bay Area out ranked New York for the No 1 spot this year, largely in part because the Bay Area is one of the best places for women to gain access to capital. It also moved from 6th place to 2nd place in Culture, illustrating that the number of role models and public dialogue around diversity.”
Ensuring diversity
Dublin’s position was up from 34 last year due to the number of start-up accelerators in the city (29) and also access for female entrepreneurs to capital, training and access.
“Dublin ranked highly due to policies including the collection of data around gender use of technology, meaning the government is better placed to ensure equal access.”
The city also ranked well for the presence of open data initiatives.
However, where Dublin was found wanting was in areas of policy such as limited paternity leave.
Belfast showed improvement in terms of reaching government goals for women-owned business procurement.
“Women are critical to our economy, starting businesses at exponential rates,” Dell Technologies said. “While these businesses contribute greatly to the economy and society, their ultimate potential for impact can be limited due to the financial, cultural, and political barriers women often face as they scale their businesses.”
Written by John Kennedy
Published: 15 July 2019
