Over 100 trailblazing female entrepreneurs, senior industry figures, and government officials gathered in Leeds for the UKEF 'Northern Women in Business' reception—an event dedicated to empowering women-led businesses and unlocking global trade op… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader UKEF is Empowering Women-Led SMEs to Thrive in Global Trade By Oluwayankunmi Olaleye-Kehinde on March 24, 2025 Over 100 trailblazing female entrepreneurs, senior industry figures, and government officials gathered in Leeds for the UKEF 'Northern Women in Business' reception—an event dedicated to empowering women-led businesses and unlocking global trade opportunities. Hosted by UK Export Finance (UKEF) at The Studio, the event spotlighted game-changing initiatives aimed at dismantling financial hurdles that women in business face. With expert insights from Female Founder Finance and the Invest in Women Taskforce, the reception underscored the urgent need for greater investment in women-led enterprises—a move that could inject a staggering £250 billion into the UK economy, according to the Rose Review. UKEF, a key government department supporting UK businesses with export financing, contributed £3.3 billion to the economy last year, backing 41,000 jobs nationwide. Now, the agency is doubling down on its commitment to female entrepreneurs, having recently partnered with Female Founder Finance to streamline funding access and open doors to global markets. Minister for Exports, Gareth Thomas, reaffirmed the government's commitment to breaking down barriers for women-led businesses, emphasizing that improving access to finance is a top priority. Meanwhile, Roxanne Goodman, Founder of Female Founder Finance, hailed the UKEF collaboration as a "game-changer," ensuring more women-led firms get the support they need to scale internationally and thrive. This event comes hot on the heels of the Chancellor's backing for the Invest in Women Taskforce, an ambitious initiative set to create one of the world's largest investment funds for female founders. With women entrepreneurs proving to be a driving force in the UK economy, this marks a pivotal moment in the push for financial equality and global success.

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Entrepreneurs supported by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) have generated over $4.2 billion in revenue and created more than 1.5 million jobs across Africa since the launch of its flagship entrepreneurship programme in 2015.Speaking at the unveiling o… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader TEF entrepreneurs generate $4.2 billion, create 1.5 million jobs in Africa By Busola Bamidele on March 24, 2025 Entrepreneurs supported by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) have generated over $4.2 billion in revenue and created more than 1.5 million jobs across Africa since the launch of its flagship entrepreneurship programme in 2015. Speaking at the unveiling of the 2025 cohort in Abuja, TEF Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, emphasized the need for investment over aid to drive Africa's progress. "Africa needs investment in infrastructure and young entrepreneurs," he stated, highlighting TEF's role in poverty reduction, having lifted over 2 million Africans out of hardship. TEF CEO Somachi Chris-Asoluka revealed that 3,000 new entrepreneurs from 52 countries will receive a total of $15 million in seed funding under the 2025 programme. Each entrepreneur will get a non-returnable $5,000 grant, adding to the over $100 million Elumelu has personally invested since 2015. Read also: TEF entrepreneurs generate $4.2 billion, create 1.5 million jobs in Africa Markets on Edge: Key PMI and Inflation Data to Shape Global Outlook This Week APPLY NOW: Agronomist SEC tightens regulatory grip on Nigeria's capital market Ogun farmers gain stable market as pricePally boosts produce sales The Foundation's rigorous monitoring process tracks job creation and revenue growth, ensuring accountability. Chris-Asoluka noted that TEF specifically funds idea-stage businesses and startups under five years, filling a gap in traditional financing. With growing interest from global partners, TEF remains committed to expanding economic opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship as a catalyst for Africa's development.

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This week, financial markets brace for major economic data releases as investors seek clarity on the global outlook amid escalating trade tensions. Flash manufacturing and services PMIs from the US, UK, and EU, alongside inflation reports from top econo… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader Markets on Edge: Key PMI and Inflation Data to Shape Global Outlook This Week By Oluwayankunmi Olaleye-Kehinde on March 24, 2025 This week, financial markets brace for major economic data releases as investors seek clarity on the global outlook amid escalating trade tensions. Flash manufacturing and services PMIs from the US, UK, and EU, alongside inflation reports from top economies, will set the tone for market sentiment. Global Stock Markets on Alert Last week, global equities took a hit as central banks flagged concerns over slowing growth and inflation, fueled by Trump's latest tariffs on steel and aluminum. Now, all eyes turn to economic indicators for insight into how businesses and consumers are coping. Manufacturing and Services PMIs: Key Insights Ahead S&P Global will release flash PMIs for March on Monday, providing a snapshot of economic health across major economies. A PMI above 50 signals expansion, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction. Eurozone: After months of struggle, the eurozone's manufacturing PMI showed signs of recovery in February, rising to 47.6. March data could offer further optimism, though fresh US tariffs may pose new risks. Meanwhile, the services PMI remains just above the growth threshold at 50.6, with Germany's service sector leading the charge. UK: The UK's manufacturing PMI has been stuck in contraction, but March is expected to show mild improvement at 47.3. Services PMI, which climbed to 51 in February, remains fragile amid economic uncertainty. US: While US manufacturing PMI surged to 52.7 in February due to preemptive stockpiling ahead of tariff hikes, services PMI dipped to 51. Projections for March place both indicators slightly lower, reflecting cautious business sentiment. Read also Markets on Edge: Key PMI and Inflation Data to Shape Global Outlook This Week APPLY NOW: Agronomist SEC tightens regulatory grip on Nigeria's capital market Ogun farmers gain stable market as pricePally boosts produce sales Abia State eyes industrial growth with Sinoma partnership Inflation Reports: High-Stakes Data for Investors This week's inflation data could shape central bank policies in the coming months: US: The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, will be in sharp focus. January's core PCE fell to 2.6%, but the Fed recently raised its 2025 forecast, citing economic uncertainty. A hotter-than-expected reading could rattle stock markets. UK: Inflation hit 3% in January, its highest in nearly a year, leading the Bank of England to hold rates at 4.5%. February's inflation is expected to ease slightly, but markets will also watch for signals in the UK government's budget announcement. Europe: Spain's inflation is expected to cool to 2.7% in March, down from 3% last month, while France, which saw its lowest inflation in four years (0.8% in February), could see a slight uptick. What's at Stake? With the global economy at a crossroads, this week's data could determine market direction. If PMIs show resilience and inflation remains contained, investors may find renewed confidence. However, any signs of economic weakness or sticky inflation could trigger fresh volatility. Markets are watching. Are you?

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