empreendedora

Empreendedora is a Portuguese term used to describe a woman who creates, organizes, and leads a new business venture or undertakes innovative projects. The word emphasizes entrepreneurship, including opportunity recognition, risk-taking, and the ability to mobilize resources. The masculine form is empreendedor, while empreendedora highlights gender and, in some contexts, empowerment in business.

The term is commonly used in Brazil and Portugal and appears in discussions of female entrepreneurship, differentiating from related terms such as empresária (businesswoman). It can be used to describe women who run startups, small and medium enterprises, social ventures, or who act as intrapreneurs within larger organizations.

Role and activities typically associated with an empreendedora include identifying market opportunities, developing business models, securing financing, organizing operations, leading teams, and scaling ventures. Many operate in sectors where innovation, adaptability, and digital skills are advantages, and they may participate in entrepreneurial ecosystems, mentorship programs, and networks that support growth.

Economic and social significance stems from the contribution of empreendedoras to job creation, diversification of local economies, and the advancement of gender equity in leadership. Policies and programs that support female entrepreneurship—such as training, access to credit, incubators, and networking—aim to reduce barriers and improve outcomes for empreendedoras.

Notable examples highlight the impact of empreendedoras in the economy. Luiza Helena Trajano, founder of Magazine Luiza, is often cited as an influential figure illustrating how women-led ventures can expand from regional beginnings to national and international reach.