lgian Female Retail Entrepreneurs Are Turning Digital Businesses into Fulfilling, Growth-Driven Careers
A new study highlights a powerful shift in how women in Belgium are building and scaling retail businesses — not as side hustles, but as meaningful, revenue-generating digital ventures.
Research commissioned by Becom and Amazon reveals that 90% of Belgian female retail entrepreneurs feel professionally fulfilled by running their digital businesses. The findings reinforce what many within the female entrepreneurship ecosystem already recognise: digital commerce is increasingly a pathway to economic independence, flexibility, and long-term growth.
Digital Channels Are Now Core to Revenue
The survey, conducted among 300 women business owners across Belgium, found that the majority of their revenue is generated through digital channels — including online marketplaces, social media, and brand websites. For many, digital sales significantly exceed revenue from physical stores.
Importantly, a large proportion of these businesses are exporting beyond Belgium’s borders, demonstrating how online platforms enable women-led ventures to scale internationally from day one. Cross-border trade is no longer reserved for large corporations; it is becoming accessible to digitally enabled SMEs.
Beyond financial success, respondents emphasised the lifestyle benefits of digital entrepreneurship. Many reported improved work-life balance and greater autonomy, particularly among younger founders seeking flexible, purpose-driven careers.
Marie Claessens, Co-Founder of The Mocktail Club, highlighted that digital entrepreneurship offers more than income generation — it provides freedom to align professional ambition with personal values and family life.
Economic Impact and Export Growth
The study also reflects a broader trend within Belgium’s SME landscape: over 90% of Belgian SMEs selling through online marketplaces export internationally. Collectively, these businesses generate substantial export revenue, strengthening the country’s economic resilience and global competitiveness.
Women-led digital ventures are clearly contributing to this growth. As access to global markets expands, so too does the opportunity for female entrepreneurs to build scalable, internationally recognised brands.
Barriers Remain — But So Does Momentum
Despite the overwhelmingly positive outlook, challenges persist. Female founders cite regulatory complexity, supply chain pressures, and scaling barriers as ongoing concerns. Access to digital skills training and structured support programmes was identified as critical for sustained growth.
The findings reinforce the importance of continued investment in digital education, mentorship networks, and capital access for women entrepreneurs. When the right infrastructure and support are in place, women-led businesses demonstrate strong growth, resilience, and export potential.
A Wider European Opportunity
The Belgian data reflects a broader European opportunity: advancing female entrepreneurship through digital enablement has both economic and social impact. Empowering women to build scalable businesses strengthens economic inclusion, unlocks new sources of growth, and accelerates progress toward greater gender parity in business leadership.
Digital platforms are proving to be powerful equalisers — lowering barriers to entry, enabling international reach, and allowing women to build businesses that are both profitable and personally fulfilling.
As policymakers, investors, and ecosystem leaders look to drive inclusive economic growth, the message is clear: supporting women in digital entrepreneurship is not only a matter of fairness — it is a strategic growth imperative.
