As Europe’s leading economic region and innovation hub, Paris Region offers a unique business environment for international women entrepreneurs and women founders looking to launch or expand their company in Europe. The region combines economic strength, world-class innovation, and a strong commitment to gender equality, making it an ideal place for ambitious women to scale their ventures.

A region committed to inclusive and women-led entrepreneurship

The Paris Region places women’s economic empowerment and gender equality at the heart of its regional strategy. By supporting female entrepreneurship across industries and backgrounds, the Region fosters a more inclusive and dynamic economy. Talented international women entrepreneurs are encouraged to join this momentum and benefit from a wide range of business support systems.

The Paris Region also promotes inclusive entrepreneurship through targeted measures, including financial support for women with dependent children - helping them launch or grow their startups and ensuring more equal access to entrepreneurship.

Tailored support for women entrepreneurs at every stage

To support women-led businesses and international founders, the region has developed comprehensive assistance programs, including:

• The Pass Entrepreneur#Leader, a regional initiative offering step-by-step guidance from ideation to sustainable growth, in collaboration with networks such as Initiative Île-de-France, BGE, and France Active.
  Some program operators are specifically dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs, such as WILLA and EMPOW’HER, offering mentoring, training, and tailored resources.
• PERQO, the regionally supported startup incubator, provides individualized support for innovative projects and places a strong emphasis on gender diversity.
• Established networks such as WILLA, Les Premières Île-de-France, and Réseau Entreprendre Paris offer structured mentoring, training programs, and access to expert communities.
• Femmes Business Angels, one of the most active women-led investor networks in Europe, helps bridge the gap between innovation and financing.

The Region also supports initiatives like the “Créatrices d’Avenir” competition and the Femmes des Territoires network and is developing a dedicated mentoring program for women founders.

Financial tools designed for women entrepreneurs

The Paris Region facilitates access to financing through targeted measures designed to meet the needs of women founders and international entrepreneurs:

• The ÉGALITÉ Women Guarantee (France Active), which secures up to 80% of a bank loan (up to €50,000), enabling easier access to credit.
• Wom’energy, a program by Réseau Entreprendre, provides interest-free loans ranging from €15,000 to €50,000.
• Initiative Île-de-France offers honor loans and personalized financial guidance to help launch or scale ventures.

In addition, Bpifrance - France’s public investment bank - provides financing solutions, guarantees, and support programs tailored to women-led businesses, helping them raise capital and scale with confidence.

Recognition opportunities include the Margaret Award, celebrating women entrepreneurs in tech and digital innovation.

An international and innovation-driven ecosystem

With its global outlook, strong startup ecosystem, and world-class incubators, the Paris Region is a top destination for international women entrepreneurs. Many incubators and accelerators - including Station F, WILLA, and Paris&Co - offer programs tailored to international entrepreneurs. Explore our guide to the top Paris Region accelerators that support and welcome global startups.

The French Tech Visa further simplifies the relocation process for foreign founders.

The region’s strategic location, connectivity, and cultural diversity make it an ideal launchpad for scaling businesses in Europe.

A region where women entrepreneurs thrive

Whether in tech, sustainability, health, or creative industries, the Paris Region provides the right conditions for success: financing, professional networks, international markets, and top talent.

Here, diversity is a driver of innovation, and women founders are supported at every step. For global women entrepreneurs seeking a supportive, competitive, and future-ready business environment, Paris Region offers both opportunity and stability.

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