From Hustle to Legacy: How Women Entrepreneurs Are Changing Sierra Leone – One Business at a Time
World Entrepreneurs’ Day Special by Gordon & Associates
Real-Life Inspiration: A Grandma, Pastry Maker, Entrepreneur
At 60, a determined grandmother had a simple yet powerful dream — to turn her passion for making African snacks into a sustainable business.
But the odds were stacked against her. Traditional microfinance lenders offered her loans with interest rates above 25% — rates that made meaningful growth near impossible. Through our client, she was able to access a loan at a single-digit interest rate, repayable over 24 months.
She didn’t just grow her business — she grew her confidence.
Today, she consistently exceeds her repayment schedule. With affordable capital and the right guidance, she transformed her kitchen into a thriving business enterprise. Her legacy now feeds more than just stomachs — it fuels hope for women across Sierra Leone.
The Bigger Picture: Women Entrepreneurs Across Sierra Leone
From local snack & pastry vendors and salon owners in Freetown to fashion founders in Bo and tech trailblazers in Makeni, these women are more than entrepreneurs — they’re builders of families, communities, and economies.
But behind every bold idea is a battle.
And for women in business, the battles are often steeper: limited access to capital, cultural roadblocks, poor financial literacy, and a lack of tailored support. That’s where we come in.
At Gordon & Associates, we walk alongside women entrepreneurs as partners — helping them turn bold ideas into sustainable ventures through systems, strategy, and support.
The Top 5 Hurdles Women Entrepreneurs Face in Sierra Leone — And How to Break Through
Whether you run a market stall or a digital startup, women entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone face five core challenges. Here’s what we see most often— and the proven ways we help our clients overcome them.
Access to Capital
“I have the idea. I just need the money to grow it.”
The #1 struggle. Banks demand collateral, financial history, and paperwork that many women — especially in the informal sector — simply don’t have.
How We Help:
· Structure your business to be investment-ready
· Prepare financial statements funders trust
· Connect you with tailored funding options (MFIs, grants, private equity)
Tip: Funders want confidence, not perfection. Clean books and a clear plan open doors.
Financial Readiness
“I don’t know if I’m making profit — or just surviving.”
Without the right systems, most women operate in the dark — underpricing, mismanaging cash, or losing out on funding because their numbers don’t add up.
How We Help:
· Set up simple, easy-to-use bookkeeping tools
· Build reports you understand and can act on
· Provide ongoing strategic financial support
Did you know? You don’t need to hire a full-time accountant to have a powerful financial strategy.
Cash Flow Management
“I make money — but I never seem to have any.”
Inconsistent sales, late payments, and unpredictable expenses create constant stress.
How We Help:
· Build rolling cash flow forecasts
· Help you manage income and expenses wisely
· Guide you in planning for taxes, reinvestment, and emergencies
Quote this: “You don’t have to be an accountant to master your money — you just need a system that works.”
Balancing Business & Life
“I’m CEO, cook, cleaner, mother, and mentor — all at once.”
Juggling roles leads to burnout. Many women spend so much time working in the business, they forget to work on it.
How We Help:
· Streamline your operations to free up your time
· Take over your back-office tasks
· Support your growth without adding pressure
Reminder: You deserve a business that supports your life — not one that consumes it.
Lack of Tailored Support & Community
“I need advice — not judgement.”
Most support systems are designed for large, male-led businesses. Women often feel misunderstood or talked down to.
How We Help:
· Offer empathetic, women-focused advisory services
· Speak your language — whether you run a salon or a solar firm
· Connect you to networks and partners who want to see you win
Because you’re not just a client — you’re a founder, a leader, and a change-maker.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Partner Who Gets You
Starting and growing a business is already tough. Doing it as a woman in Sierra Leone? Even tougher.
But you’re not alone.
At Gordon & Associates, we’re not just accountants. We’re your B.F.F. — Best Financial Friend — guiding you through the journey from uncertainty to stability, from survival to legacy.
Let’s build something extraordinary — together.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Email: info@gordonassociates-sl.com
Call: +232 79 677 382
Visit us : 89 Pademba Road, Freetown
Website: gordonassociates-sl.com
Follow us for tips, tools & events tailored for women in business
Gordon & Associates – Your Best Financial Friend (B.F.F) for Business Growth in Sierra Leone
