Business groups are calling for action to boost the number of female-owned firms in the run-up to International Women's Day on Thursday.
The not-for-profit Women's Enterprise Scotland (WES) has launched a drive to get women-owned businesses recognised as a growth sector by Government and business support agencies. Meanwhile, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has kicked off a digital campaign to raise the visibility of female role models.
Women-owned business form just 20 per cent of Scotland's business base, and less than 5 per cent of account-managed growth companies. They contribute £5bn annually to the Scottish economy, a figure WES believes could rise to £12.6bn if women started up in business at the same rate as men.
"While progress has been made to address gender gaps in employment and in the boardroom, the gender gap in enterprise persists," WES chair Lynne Cadenhead said.
"It is simply not acceptable that many women-owned businesses are unable to access growth and innovation support. Transformative change is needed to create a gender-balanced and forward-thinking business landscape."
According to figures from the FSB, there are 5.7 million small businesses and self-employed in the UK, but this could be boosted by a further 1.2 million new enterprises led by women.
To help tackle the untapped business potential of women, the group has launched a digital campaign called 100 FSB Women. Its aim is to increase the visibility of role models for female entrepreneurs.
"Research shows that women are less likely than their male counterparts to know a person in business and, as a result, have fewer opportunities to benefit from exposure to others with business experience and are less likely to see people like themselves succeeding," said Helen Walbey, chair of the FSB's women in enterprise taskforce.
"I'm really excited about the 100 FSB Women campaign. We're utilising digital platforms to raise the visibility of some really exceptional women. These women come from all sectors and each has a special story to tell and valuable advice to impart to other women."