From Pitch to Payroll: WeVenture Helps Women-Led Startups Create Jobs

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2026/08/06/from-pitch-to-payroll-weventure-helps-women-led-startups-create-jobs?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM287537 Story Highlights Across Europe and Central Asia, women entrepreneurs face critical barriers to access business networks and growth capital — costing the region jobs and economic potential. Through WeVenture, the World Bank Group supported 153 female entrepreneurs in Armenia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan with investment-readiness training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to strengthen business management skills, expand market access, and connect with the capital and networks needed to scale their businesses. After completing the 12-week upskilling program, participating women founders reported greater confidence, improved investor engagement skills, and stronger peer and mentor networks that opened new opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth.