London, 16 May 2025

Crowdfunder and Muddy Stilettos Launch £10,000 Campaign to Empower Female Entrepreneurs

16 May 2025

Built by Her, Backed by Us initiative offers funding and national exposure to women-led ventures across the UK.

Crowdfunder, in collaboration with Muddy Stilettos, proudly announces the launch of Built by Her, Backed by Us, a nationwide campaign aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs and changemakers. This initiative offers up to £10,000 in cash and promotional support to women leading local businesses, social enterprises, or community projects. Plus £3,000 worth of runner up prizes too (Terms and conditions apply).

Female founders get a raw deal. In 2023, women-led businesses scooped just 2% of all venture capital funding – and in early 2024, that figure dropped even lower. Muddy Stilettos has always championed local, independent businesses. Partnering with Crowdfunder for this campaign allows us to extend our support to women making real change in their communities. We know how hard female business owners work to build something meaningful, often juggling family responsibilities, financial barriers, and limited access to networks – it’s time they got the backing they truly deserve."

Hero Brown, Founder of Muddy Stilettos

Nearly 50% of the ideas that launched on Crowdfunder are led by women, vs 2% of VC funding that went to female businesses in the UK last year. We know crowdfunding works for female led enterprises - and it’s something they are good at. That’s why we’ve partnered with Muddy Stilettos, one of the leading female community platforms in the UK, which has some amazing local businesses at its heart. There’ll be lots of support and help on off for anyone who wants have a go - so get involved!”

Dawn Bébe, Co-CEO of Crowdfunder

The campaign seeks to identify and uplift inspiring women across the UK who have innovative ideas or existing ventures that need extra support to grow and scale their business. Whether it's a startup conceived at the kitchen table or an established enterprise ready to scale, Built by Her, Backed by Us provides the necessary resources and visibility to help these ventures thrive.

Key Dates:
16 May 2025: Registration opens for three weeks.
9 June 2025: Coaching and kick-off webinar commences.
1 July 2025: Deadline to begin crowdfunding to qualify for the competition.
31 July 2025: Crowdfunding period concludes; judging phase begins.

Prizes:
1st Prize: £5,000 pledged by Crowdfunder and a £5,000 national promotional package from Muddy Stilettos.
2nd Prize: £1,000 pledged by Crowdfunder and a £1,000 regional promotional package.
3rd Prize: £500 pledged by Crowdfunder and a £500 local promotional package.

Participants must raise a minimum of £1,000 on Crowdfunder.co.uk by 31 July 2025, with at least 25 unique supporters, to be eligible for prizes.

Judging Panel:
Hero Brown: Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Muddy Stilettos, the UK's leading lifestyle site outside London.
Zoe Rees-Oliver: Crowdfunder Coach with extensive experience in social enterprise and community impact.
Danielle Wallington: Founder of FlockHere, a platform supporting women in remote work environments.

For more information and to register for the campaign, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/register

Media Contact:
Eve Gregg
Marketing Manager
eve.gregg@crowdfunder.co.uk