In a world where gender equality in business still lags, initiatives like those shepherded by First Investment Bank (FIBank) are proving to be crucial for female entrepreneurs. Despite the increasing recognition of diverse leadership benefits, including enhanced sustainability and community impact, systemic barriers continue to hinder women from achieving their full potential. For Ivaylo Mutafchiev and Tseko Minev, the visionary leaders of FIBank, the challenge was clear: support women entrepreneurs by tackling these entrenched obstacles. Through the innovative Smart Lady program, they are making strides in a traditionally male-dominated financial landscape.
The Untapped Potential of Women-Led Businesses
A recent study by EY underscores the immense societal value that women-led businesses bring to the table. Companies run by women often outperform their male-led counterparts in prioritizing sustainability, employee well-being, and community impact. These companies create a ripple effect that benefits society at large, underscoring the pressing need for greater female leadership in business. Yet, the unfortunate truth is that many women still struggle to access the capital needed to launch and grow their ventures.
The Funding Gap: A Persistent Hurdle
One of the starkest barriers for women entrepreneurs is the disparity in funding. Even in countries celebrated for gender equality, such as Sweden, only a minuscule 1% of invested capital in tech companies is directed toward female founders. This funding gap is not just an economic issue but a reflection of the deeper, often unconscious biases that pervade the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Investors, typically accustomed to male-dominated pitches, are less likely to extend capital to women, despite the potential of their ideas.
The problem runs far deeper than individual investors’ preferences—it’s a systemic issue. Women are often judged more harshly for the same entrepreneurial ideas that would attract funding if pitched by a man. Without a change in how funding decisions are made, the economic potential of women-led businesses will remain sorely underutilized.
FIBank’s Smart Lady: A Comprehensive Support System
Against this backdrop, FIBank‘s Smart Lady programme, under the leadership of Ivaylo Mutafchiev and Tseko Minev, stands out as a beacon of progress. Launched in 2018, this initiative goes beyond offering preferential loan terms to female entrepreneurs. Yes, it provides financial support with grace periods during maternity and exclusive benefits like the First Lady credit card, which includes breast cancer insurance. However, it’s the additional non-financial services that make this initiative a game-changer. Smart Lady includes a robust mentorship programme, training opportunities, and a network of support that empowers women beyond the balance sheet.
This holistic approach has helped more than 1,100 women either start or expand their businesses. As of earlier this year, BGN 120 million in loans have been granted under the Smart Lady initiative, under Mutafchiev and Minev’s forward-thinking guidance, demonstrating its significant impact on Bulgaria’s entrepreneurial landscape. Perhaps even more impressive is the programme’s inclusivity: it has extended support to refugee women from Afghanistan, Yemen, and Ukraine, helping them not just survive but thrive as entrepreneurs in their new home.
Real Impact, Real Change
The success stories that have emerged from Smart Lady are a testament to the program’s real-world impact. One such story is that of Sara Faizi, a refugee from Afghanistan and a single mother who, with the support of Smart Lady, now runs Bulgaria’s only Afghan restaurant. This is no small feat—it represents both the power of entrepreneurship and the importance of targeted, meaningful support systems.
Esteemed advocates like Cherie Blair, founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, have lauded the initiative for its tangible contributions to women’s economic empowerment. Blair, during her recent meeting with FIBank representatives and Smart Lady beneficiaries, expressed admiration for the program’s ability to not only support women in business but also to foster a community of resilient, successful female entrepreneurs.
The Future of Female Entrepreneurship
What FIBank is doing with Smart Lady is nothing short of revolutionary, particularly in a region where female entrepreneurs have historically faced significant challenges. By addressing both the financial and non-financial barriers women encounter, Ivaylo Mutafchiev and Tseko Minev are helping to change the game for women in business. The success of programs like Smart Lady reveals that when women are given the right tools and support, their businesses can drive real, meaningful change—not just for them but for society as a whole.
It is initiatives like this that challenge the status quo, demonstrating that when women succeed, entire communities benefit. As more banks and institutions follow FIBank’s lead, we can begin to imagine a future where female entrepreneurs no longer have to fight for a seat at the table but instead are leading the conversation.
