42% of women who are small firm owners say they struggle to balance family and caregiving responsibilities with business, a new study has found.
That compares to 28% of men who also own their own businesses.
The survey of 300 firms, carried out by Visa, also found that 48% of women entrepreneurs said their business couldn't survive without family support, versus 32% of men.
While when it comes to accessing funding and venture capital, the research found that men are twice as likely as women to have sourced and secured investment for their business.
36% of men said they had secured funding, compared to 18% of women.
Women are also more likely to face unfavourable terms and conditions following pitching for funding, with 31% of women saying it was an issue, versus 8% of men.
While when it comes to networking more than half of women business owners said they feel nervous walking into a room of strangers, compared to 39% of men.
The researchers also found that increased access to business mentorship was the most valued resource cited by the small businesses surveyed, reference by more than half.
However, just one in five said they currently have a business mentor.
The data was published as Visa launched its support programme for women entrepreneurs, She’s Next.
Under the programme, a €10,000 grant will be awarded to four women entrepreneurs and one overall winner will receive €50,000 to help their business thrive.
All five winners will receive mentoring from award-winning entrepreneur and businesswoman, Aimee Connolly and MentorsWorks.
