Nationwide has announced a new partnership with Female Founders Rise (FFR), making it the sole UK bank to join forces with one of the country's largest communities for female and non-binary entrepreneurs. The building society, which operates branches in Birmingham, will provide support to FFR's network of more than 12,000 members as they look to scale their businesses.
Partnership aims to break down barriers for female founders
The collaboration brings together Nationwide's commitment to supporting businesses and local communities with FFR's mission to help early-stage female founders grow from idea to their first million in revenue. According to the Rise Report, one of the most comprehensive grassroots studies of female entrepreneurship in the UK, up to £310 billion of new value could be added to the national economy if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men.
Hannah Bernard, Director of Business Banking at Nationwide, highlighted the significance of the move: “Female-led businesses make a vital contribution to the UK economy, driving growth, innovation and creating jobs but too many still face barriers. We’re proud to be working with Female Founders Rise to help female business owners build successful, sustainable organisations, while also strengthening our support for UK SMEs more broadly.”
Nationwide's business banking expansion
The partnership comes ahead of Nationwide launching its own business banking proposition for small and medium-sized enterprises next year. Currently, the building society offers business banking through its Virgin Money brand, which it acquired in 2024. This new collaboration signals a strategic move to deepen its engagement with the SME sector, particularly among women-led ventures.
Emmie Faust, Founder of Female Founders Rise, expressed enthusiasm about the alliance: “Our purpose is to help women build profitable, sustainable businesses and create financial freedom through entrepreneurship. Nationwide's purpose-led approach and commitment to supporting long-term prosperity for its members and communities aligns closely to our values. That's why this partnership is such a strong fit. We already support 12K women, and with Nationwide as our banking partner we can help so many more across the UK.”
Economic impact of supporting women entrepreneurs
The Rise Report's findings underscore the potential economic uplift from closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship. With women currently less likely to start and scale businesses compared to men, the partnership aims to address systemic barriers such as access to funding, mentorship, and networks. By aligning with FFR, Nationwide positions itself as a key player in fostering inclusive economic growth.
For Birmingham, where Nationwide has a notable presence, the partnership could have local implications. The city has a growing ecosystem of female-led startups and small businesses, and this initiative may provide additional resources and visibility for entrepreneurs in the region.
Looking ahead
As Nationwide prepares to launch its standalone business banking services, this partnership with FFR is likely to be a cornerstone of its strategy to attract and retain SME customers. The building society's move to become the sole banking partner for FFR distinguishes it from competitors and reinforces its commitment to social purpose.
Both organisations have expressed a shared vision of creating lasting economic change. With the backing of a major financial institution, FFR aims to expand its reach and impact, potentially supporting thousands more women across the UK in the coming years.
