SELF-ASSESSMENT

Welcome to the Leaders4Future Self-Assessment Tool for Women Entrepreneurs!

This tool is designed to help young women evaluate their entrepreneurial readiness. Its primary purpose is to enable you to reflect on your strengths and identify areas where you might need further development across key dimensions critical for successful entrepreneurial ventures.

How it Works:

The assessment tool is divided into four sections, each corresponding to a key dimension critical for successful entrepreneurship. These sections are: Business Environment, Entrepreneurial Culture, Ecosystem Actors, and Entrepreneurial Soft Skills. While you have the option to complete only some sections, we recommend completing all of them to gain a comprehensive overview of your entrepreneurial readiness.

Each section contains 10 scaled questions (1-5). You are asked to rate each statement on a scale of 1 to 5, where:

  • 1 – Strongly Disagree
  • 2 – Disagree
  • 3 – Neutral
  • 4 – Agree
  • 5 – Strongly Agree

This Likert scale allows for a nuanced reflection of your knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

In addition to the scaled questions, a separate section of Yes/No questions is provided at the end. These questions offer further insights into your experiences and exposure, helping to identify opportunities or missing connections in your entrepreneurial journey.

Each section may take approximately 7 to 10 minutes to complete. The entire assessment is designed to take about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your pace and depth of reflection.

What Happens After?

Upon completing each section, you will receive personalized feedback and suggestions for support based on your readiness level, ranging from introductory training to leadership opportunities. The Yes/No questions will then offer further points for self-reflection and actionable insights. This tool serves both diagnostic and developmental purposes, providing a structured framework for personal reflection and a valuable basis for personalized coaching and targeted support from the Leaders4Future program.

Participant Information:

To help us understand the collective needs of young women entrepreneurs and improve our support initiatives, we have included an optional section for demographic information. This data will be collected for statistical purposes only and is invaluable for promoting gender equality in entrepreneurship and building sustainable, localized ecosystems. You can choose to fill in the requested data or skip this section.

To fill in the demographic information

We hope this tool empowers you on your entrepreneurial path!

Business Environment and Investment Climate
Entrepreneurial Culture and Attitude
Interacting Actors in the Ecosystem
Entrepreneurial Soft Skills

Business Environment and Investment Climate

This section explores your understanding of the external factors that impact your entrepreneurial journey. It covers essential aspects like business registration, legal requirements, funding opportunities, and the overall support system for entrepreneurs in your country.

Understanding the business environment and investment climate is crucial because it directly influences your ability to launch, operate, and grow a successful venture. Navigating regulations, accessing funding, and leveraging support programs can significantly impact your entrepreneurial readiness and success. This section helps you assess your knowledge and confidence in these critical areas.

1. I know how to register a business in my country.
2. I know which organizations or platforms offer business funding or grants.
3. I understand the legal requirements to start a business.
4. I feel confident navigating bureaucracy (taxes, permits, etc.).
5. I am aware of national programs supporting entrepreneurship.
6. I have access to reliable financial or legal advice.
7. I feel the business climate supports women entrepreneurs.
8. I understand how to turn a business idea into a legally recognized enterprise.
9. I believe the public institutions accessible and helpful to new businesses.
10. I can easily find updated information on business procedures.

This section invites you to reflect on your practical experiences and the extent of your connections within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Your answers will provide deeper insight into the opportunities you have explored or areas where you might need to establish new connections.

- Have you ever attempted to register a business on your own?
- Do you know of at least one funding program accessible to women in your country?
- Do you feel that tax policies are transparent for entrepreneurs?
0.00

Your answers indicate a lack of awareness about essential business procedures. Focus should be placed on foundational knowledge — such as how to register a business, where to find information, and what legal steps are involved. One-on-one coaching or beginner-friendly guides could help you build confidence.

You are beginning to understand key areas of the business environment but may still feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the system. Peer group learning, practical exercises (e.g., mock registration), and direct engagement with public offices can ease this transition.

You have working knowledge but may lack hands-on experience or regular access to support. Focus on clarifying the steps for formalization and actively seek targeted legal or financial advice. Consider participating in case-based learning and real-life simulations.

You are well-prepared to act. Your next step could be refining your approach — understanding how to take advantage of policy incentives, build stronger relationships with institutions, or engage in collective advocacy for women entrepreneurs.

Your responses show high confidence and advanced knowledge of the system. You are ready to not only grow your own business but also support others. Consider mentoring newcomers, joining advisory boards, or advocating for systemic improvements in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

If you successfully registered your business or your attempt left you with a solid understanding of the process, congratulations! That first-hand experience is a significant asset. You could greatly benefit from refining your understanding through advanced training, such as specific workshops on legal or financial aspects of entrepreneurship.

If you never attempted to register a business or you didn't get completed, know that it's a common situation. The process can be complex and discouraging for many. To boost your confidence and readiness, I strongly suggest considering attending a workshop or seminar designed for business registration, or seeking guidance from experts or mentors. There are many resources available that break down the steps, requirements, and potential pitfalls.

You are knowledgeable about one or more funding programs, that's excellent! Staying informed about available funding is crucial for empowering women in business. You might consider exploring less-known opportunities, There might be other, less visible, funding avenues (e.g., grants, specific loan programs, venture capital initiatives) that could broaden your reach or be suitable for different types of ventures.

If you are currently not aware of any specific funding programs for women in your country, that's perfectly understandable. The landscape of financial support can be complex and sometimes difficult to navigate. To help you discover current opportunities and enhance your understanding, it may be helpful to explore the following resources:
-National or regional entrepreneurship portals
-Non-Governmental Organizations
-Women's business networks and associations.

If you feel that tax policies are transparent for entrepreneurs in your country, that’s a very positive indicator! A clear tax environment reduces uncertainty and administrative burden, allowing entrepreneurs to focus more on growing their businesses. You could leverage your understanding to optimize compliance and planning. This proactive approach can lead to significant benefits.

If you feel that tax policies are not transparent for entrepreneurs, your experience reflects a common challenge faced by many business owners. Complexity and lack of clarity in tax regulations can lead to confusion, errors, and missed opportunities. To better understand tax obligations and benefits, and to navigate this landscape more effectively, you may want to consider attending sessions on business taxation.

Entrepreneurial Culture and Attitude

This section assesses your mindset, beliefs, and values regarding entrepreneurship. It includes your self-confidence, your willingness to take risks, how you view failure, and the influence of your social environment on your entrepreneurial journey.

Your mindset and attitude are fundamental to business success. Believing in yourself, having inspiring role models, and seeing challenges as learning opportunities are key factors that drive resilience and innovation. An environment that supports women entrepreneurs can also strengthen your motivation and confidence.

Your answers to the following questions will provide insight into your internal strengths and how your surroundings influence your entrepreneurial spirit.

1. I believe I can become a successful entrepreneur.
2. I have encountered supportive spaces (online/offline) for women in business.
3. I have female role models who inspire me.
4. I am willing or confident to take calculated risks in business.
5. People in my community view women entrepreneurs positively.
6. I see failure as a chance to learn and grow.
7. I have a strong personal motivation to run a business.
8. I confidently identify myself as an entrepreneur when discussing my work.
9. I am mentally prepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
10. I enjoy coming up with new ideas and solutions.

This section delves into specific experiences and perceptions that can influence your entrepreneurial journey, particularly as a woman. Your answers will help us understand the unique challenges and sources of inspiration you might encounter in your pursuit of business ownership.

- Have you ever been discouraged from starting a business because of your gender?
- Do you know of at least one funding program accessible to women in your country?
- Have you participated in any activity promoting entrepreneurship?
0.00

Your responses suggest limited belief in your entrepreneurial potential or low social support. Start by engaging in supportive peer environments, listening to success stories of relatable women, and working on self-esteem and entrepreneurial identity.

You're beginning to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, but may still carry self-doubt or fear of failure. Participating in experiential learning (e.g., startup simulations) and connecting with supportive communities can help you take bolder steps.

You demonstrate interest and motivation but may lack sustained confidence or consistent social reinforcement. Strengthen your mindset by setting tangible goals and staying engaged in local or online entrepreneurship networks.

You have a positive mindset and growing confidence in your entrepreneurial identity. Now focus on expanding your influence — support others, build your credibility, and turn your mindset into action through real-world engagement.

Your answers reflect a strong entrepreneurial identity and a resilient, opportunity-driven mindset. You're well-positioned to lead, inspire others, and drive cultural change by modeling confidence, creativity, and perseverance.

Experiencing discouragement due to gender is a significant challenge many women entrepreneurs face. It's important to acknowledge and validate these experiences. Consider seeking out women-focused entrepreneurial networks or support groups. These communities can provide empowerment, valuable resources, and a space to navigate such barriers with shared understanding.

It's encouraging to hear that your entrepreneurial journey has not been hindered by gender-based discouragement. This positive experience can be a powerful motivator for others. Consider using your experience to advocate for and help foster a more inclusive environment for all women in business, ensuring fewer individuals encounter such obstacles.

Knowing a successful woman entrepreneur in your area offers a valuable source of inspiration and a tangible example of achievement. Consider exploring their journey further for insights or, if appropriate, seeking mentorship to gain direct guidance.

Identifying successful role models can significantly boost motivation and provide practical perspectives. We encourage you to seek out local women entrepreneurs through community events, business networks, or media, as observing their success can be highly beneficial.

Your engagement in entrepreneurship-promoting activities is a valuable asset. Continued involvement can deepen your understanding and expand your network. We encourage you to stay engaged and seek opportunities to further your involvement or share your experiences with emerging entrepreneurs.

Engaging with entrepreneurship-focused activities can significantly boost your confidence and exposure to new ideas and connections. Consider exploring local workshops, startup weekends, or networking events. Even minimal participation can provide valuable insights and open new doors.

Interacting Actors in the Ecosystem

Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape can be a thrilling yet challenging journey. While your innovative ideas and dedication are crucial, success often hinges on more than just individual effort. This section, "Interacting Actors in the Ecosystem," helps us understand how well you connect with and utilize the broader network of support available to entrepreneurs.

Think of the entrepreneurial world as an ecosystem, much like a forest where different elements—trees, plants, animals, and even the soil—all interact and rely on each other to thrive. In the business world, these "actors" include mentors, advisors, incubators, networking groups, government agencies, and fellow entrepreneurs. They all play a vital role in providing the resources, knowledge, and connections you need to grow your venture.

1. I know where to find business mentors or advisors.
2. I have participated in networking or startup events.
3. I know how to connect and reach out incubators, hubs, or NGOs.
4. I am aware of institutions offering support to women-led businesses. And I can name at least one organization that provides grants/mentorship.
5. I have experienced collaboration (e.g., events, workshops) among local business supporters I know other entrepreneurs I can collaborate with.
6. I am comfortable reaching out to institutions for help.
7. I am aware of youth and women specific programs related to business development.
8. I feel included in my local entrepreneurship community.
9. I can name at least three actors that support women entrepreneurs.
10.  I actively seek out and utilize resources specifically designed to help entrepreneurs like me succeed.

Beyond simply knowing who the players are, actively engaging with the entrepreneurial ecosystem is key to unlocking its full potential for your business. This next set of questions delves into your direct experiences and practical knowledge of connecting with the various support structures available. This will help you to understand how you've leveraged these resources and if you feel equipped to access them as your venture grows.

- Have you ever received mentorship from a support organisation?
- Do you know how to apply to a local business accelerator or incubator?
- Have you collaborated with any actor of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (investors, policy makers, education institution, financial institution etc.) in the past year?
0.00

You may be disconnected from the support ecosystem. Begin by identifying local hubs, attending introductory events, or being matched with a mentor who can guide you through available resources.

You're beginning to learn about ecosystem actors but may not yet be fully engaged. You would benefit from attending events and meeting entrepreneurs, mentors, and organisations to build comfort and visibility.

You have some experience engaging with actors but may lack consistency or strong networks. Focus on building sustained relationships, initiating collaborations, and becoming more visible within ecosystem activities.

You’re actively engaging with the ecosystem. The next step is to take initiative — co-organise events, co-found support initiatives, or advocate for ecosystem improvements focused on inclusion and collaboration.

Your answers indicate strong connectivity and confidence in the ecosystem. Leverage your position to connect others, lead partnerships, and actively contribute to shaping a more inclusive and cooperative entrepreneurial environment.

Having received mentorship from a support organization is a significant asset for any entrepreneur. This type of guidance offers crucial insights that can genuinely accelerate your growth. Continue leveraging this valuable relationship, and consider how your own experiences might eventually benefit others in the entrepreneurial community.

Accessing mentorship from a support organization is highly beneficial for entrepreneurs. We recommend exploring local business hubs, accelerators, or women's networks, as many of these offer structured mentorship programs. Even connecting with experienced entrepreneurs for informal guidance can provide valuable perspectives for your business journey.

Knowing how to apply to a local business accelerator or incubator puts you in an excellent position to leverage structured support for your business. These programs can provide invaluable resources, mentorship, and connections. Consider applying when your business is ready to scale, refine its model, or significantly test a new idea.

If you're unsure how to apply to a local business accelerator or incubator, it's a worthwhile area to explore. We suggest attending an info session, many of which are offered virtually, or speaking directly with entrepreneurs who have participated in such programs. Most accelerators and incubators also provide free guidance or webinars on their application processes to help aspiring participants.

Having collaborated with ecosystem actors in the past year is an excellent practice. These partnerships are crucial for building stronger networks, gaining diverse perspectives, and expanding opportunities for your business. Continue to nurture these relationships, as they are invaluable for long-term growth and visibility.

If you haven't collaborated with any ecosystem actor in the past year, it's a key area to focus on for business development. Reaching out to NGOs, startup hubs, educational institutions, or other organizations supporting entrepreneurs can open up new resources, learning opportunities, and significantly increase your business's visibility within the community.

Entrepreneurial Soft Skills

This section focuses on Entrepreneurial Soft Skills, which are the personal attributes, interpersonal abilities, and character traits that enable individuals to navigate the complex and often unpredictable journey of starting and growing a business. Unlike "hard skills" (like technical knowledge or financial accounting), soft skills are less about what you know and more about how you work and how you interact with others. They are crucial for success because entrepreneurship is not just about a great idea; it's about effectively communicating that idea, building strong relationships, adapting to change, solving problems, and leading with resilience.

In the dynamic world of business, your ability to connect with customers, inspire a team, negotiate with partners, and persuade investors is just as vital as your business plan. These skills foster strong leadership, enhance problem-solving capabilities, and promote effective collaboration, all of which are essential for overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities. A strong grasp of these soft skills can significantly enhance your ability to not only launch but also sustain and scale your venture.

1. I feel confident pitching my ideas.
2. I can clearly explain my product or service.
3. I understand key financial concepts (e.g., cost, revenue, profit), and can apply them to real business decisions.
4. I manage my time and priorities effectively.
5. I communicate well with different people including customers, providers, institutions, investors.
6. I adapt easily to changes or unexpected challenges.
7. I can solve problems calmly and creatively.
8. I feel comfortable making decisions under pressure.
9. I work well in a team and collaborate effectively.
10. I can set realistic goals and follow through with them.

This section explores your practical experience and self-assessed preparedness in key areas crucial for entrepreneurial success. While theoretical knowledge is valuable, the real world of business often demands hands-on skills in presenting your ideas, negotiating deals, and understanding the financial backbone of your venture. Your responses here will offer insight into your current comfort level and any areas where further development might be beneficial as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of the entrepreneurial landscape.

- Have you ever participated in a pitching event or simulation?
- Do you feel prepared to handle business negotiations?
- Have you taken any course on financial literacy?
0.00

You may be lacking core entrepreneurial skills such as pitching, planning, and communication. Start with foundational training programs and role-playing exercises to build confidence and clarity.

You're aware of essential skills but need more practice and support. Participate in hands-on workshops, role-playing, and time-bound challenges to strengthen core abilities.

You show competence in several skill areas but might lack consistency or depth. Consider tailored coaching or joining structured programs that simulate real business environments.

You are skill-ready for entrepreneurial execution. Take the next step by leading group activities, mentoring others, or applying to competitive startup programs where you can refine your abilities.

You demonstrate advanced skills and confidence in real-world scenarios. Use your expertise to train others, build high-performing teams, and drive collective success in entrepreneurial initiatives.

Having participated in a pitching event or simulation is an excellent sign of proactive engagement. These experiences are crucial for building confidence and refining communication skills in high-pressure environments. To further leverage this, continue to seek constructive feedback and actively refine your delivery for future real-world scenarios.

If you have not yet participated in a pitching event or simulation yet, there's a clear opportunity for growth in this area. Gaining experience in pitching is highly beneficial for any entrepreneurial endeavour. We strongly recommend exploring local or online pitch training sessions or workshops. These experiences can significantly boost your communication prowess and enhance your self-presentation abilities, which are vital for attracting support and investment.

Feeling prepared to handle business negotiations is a significant strength for any entrepreneur. This skill is critical for securing favourable deals and partnerships. Continue to refine your strategies through real-world opportunities or simulated scenarios to maintain and sharpen your confidence.

If you're unsure how to apply to a local business accelerator or incubator, it's a worthwhile area to explore. We suggest attending an info session, many of which are offered virtually, or speaking directly with entrepreneurs who have participated in such programs. Most accelerators and incubators also provide free guidance or webinars on their application processes to help aspiring participants.

Having taken a course on financial literacy is an excellent foundation for any entrepreneur. A strong grasp of financial principles is absolutely essential for effectively managing business budgets, making informed decisions, and ensuring sustainability. Continue to build upon this knowledge as your business evolves.

If you haven't yet taken a course on financial literacy, it's a critical area to address for your business's health. We highly recommend exploring beginner-friendly financial literacy courses; many are available for free or at low cost. Acquiring this knowledge will significantly enhance your ability to manage your business's finances and make strategic decisions.

Scroll to Top
Skip to content