Emma Norrfors is a board member of Företagarna Skellefteå and also one of the initiators of Företagarna W. In the background, Maria Singh, CEO and co-owner of the startup Brigade, can be seen, who spoke at this meeting.
Maria Marklund and Emma Norrfors, board members of Företagarna and leaders of its women's network, Företagarna W, are seated at a table in the back of Restaurant Mandel.
They're participating in one of their monthly networking events, designed to connect and inspire women entrepreneurs.
Since its launch last January, the initiative has held approximately one meeting per month.
– Skellefteå has had other women's industry networks, but none specifically focused on entrepreneurs. I felt that was a gap, says Emma.
Why is a group exclusively for women necessary?
– I usually reply that the person asking that question is probably a man, Emma responds, with a glint in her eye.
Emma's smile hints at a deeper truth.
Historically, men have far outnumbered women in the business world, giving them greater prominence in these types of environments - a disparity that persists today.
According to Företagarna’s data, only 27 percent of Skellefteå business owners in 2023 were women, while 73 percent were men.
– Ideally, a group like this wouldn’t be necessary, but my own experience tells me otherwise. I’ve had to fight considerably harder than I would have if I were a man, says Emma.
In what ways?
– It’s more difficult to gain access to certain circles, to be treated with respect, and to compete for the largest contracts. I could recount countless examples.
Maria Marklund, who operates a business in the industrial sector, echoes these experiences.
– We have to constantly prove our worth to earn trust. It’s unfortunate that this is the case, but it’s the reality we face, she says.
Maria Singh, CEO and co-owner of the startup Brigade, spoke at this meeting. Previous speakers have included Emelie Edergard from HusmanHagberg, Lina Andersson from Once Upon, Anette Strömquist from LaBranche, and Josefin Lindholm from Evolve Hair.
Emma and Maria believe there are several reasons why there are more male than female entrepreneurs, with structural expectations being one of them.
– There are different expectations for women compared to men, especially when it comes to starting a family. This means that it takes more courage for a woman to take the risk that entrepreneurship often involves. Altogether, this makes the starting process longer, and some never take the leap, says Maria.
Even after starting a business, men seem to have an advantage when it comes to securing capital. In 2023, for example, only 0.6 percent of all venture capital went to companies founded by women. Mixed-gender teams received 2.4 percent, while a staggering 95.9 percent went to male-founded companies, according to The Founding Report compiled by Unconventional Ventures.
– Networks where women and men meet are absolutely needed as well. Företagarna W doesn’t exist to replace that, but rather to complement it. Here, we can support each other with shared experiences and dive deeper into issues that matter to us, says Emma.
Carla Garcez, a Brazilian native, brings years of experience in business ownership to this lunch meeting.
One of the attendees at this gathering is Carla Garcez. She is from Brazil but moved to Skellefteå two years ago when her husband got a job at Northvolt. She recently started her Swedish company, Ekonomikraft, but has also been an entrepreneur for many years.
She explains that it is common for women in Brazil to start their own businesses after having children.
– My former employer didn’t want me back after I had a baby, and then it was difficult to find something new because I was a mother. So, I started my own business instead, says Carla.
Carla Garcez, who runs Ekonomikraft in Skellefteå, appreciates the chance to connect with other women entrepreneurs and discuss shared challenges and opportunities. "It's nice and important to be able to do that," she says.
It's her first time at Företagarna W, but she already feels at home.
– It’s good to be able to share challenges and opportunities with other women who have experience in entrepreneurship, she says.
Another attendee is 31-year-old Farina Lichtenstein from Germany. She has founded the creative company Studio Fare, which works with branding and graphic design.
Farina Lichtenstein has recently started her business in Skellefteå. She works with branding and graphic design.
Her connection to Skellefteå also came through her partner, who found a job here and is keen to remain.
– I’ve been impressed by the level of motivation here. In my small German hometown, I often felt a sense of inertia, she says.
She considers the women's forum an entirely positive development.
– Men are used to asserting themselves and dominating the conversation. Here, in their absence, we women have a greater opportunity to participate and share our perspectives, she explains. This is based on my experience in Germany, but I imagine it's a similar dynamic here as well.
Maria Singh, Företagarna Women Skellefteå
Maria Singh takes the stage today, offering insights into her role as CEO and co-owner of the startup Brigade.
She speaks candidly about the unique challenges of managing a business built on someone else's vision and the weight of those expectations.
Although she generally believes in inclusivity, she acknowledges the current need for women-focused events.
– Historically, men have been more inclined to take risks and pursue opportunities, while women have often carried the primary burden of household management: childcare, scheduling, cooking, transportation, and even caring for pets. This shouldn't be the norm in an equitable household, but it remains a reality for many, she explains.
– That’s why it’s vital to showcase examples and inspire more women to pursue their ambitions.
"These networks create a safe space for the exchange of experiences, inspiration, and support, which in the long run benefits the entire business community," says Maria Marklund, pictured here with Sima Haddadin and Emma Norrfors.
Around 20 women are among the participants this time, but Maria and Emma hope to see even more in the future.
– Ultimately, it’s about supporting each other, gaining new perspectives, and sharing challenges and successes. Knowing that I’m not the only one pushing forward. That brings great benefits, says Maria.