Picture this: a promising fashion startup struggles to break into new markets because its founder lacks the right mentors and industry connections. A woman-led tech firm with a groundbreaking idea stalls because investors are hesitant to back female-led ventures. A solopreneur juggles family responsibilities and business expansion, finding it nearly impossible to scale without a supportive network. These stories aren’t uncommon.

For many women entrepreneurs, the road to success is paved with barriers that extend beyond business acumen.

Despite their resilience and innovation, women-led businesses face hurdles in accessing funding, mentorship, and the right networks – key ingredients for sustainable growth – according to communication, entertainment and digital services firm StarHub.

There is power through social connections

Recognising this, StarHub launched HER Hub, a networking and knowledge-sharing initiative designed to bridge these gaps.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, HER Hub championed the theme “Empowering Women Through Connection,” bringing together women entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and influencers to exchange insights and spark collaborations that could propel their businesses forward.

“At StarHub, we believe that great businesses are built on great people, and success is never a solo journey,” said Tan Toi Chia, chief people, organisation & communications officer at StarHub.

“HER Hub is our way of fostering a supportive community where womenpreneurs can connect, learn, and grow together,” Tan said.

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The perspective of women entrepreneurs

At the heart of this year’s HER Hub was a power-packed panel discussion titled, “From Passion to Profit: Scaling Your Business as a Woman Entrepreneur.”

The conversation featured women who have turned their passions into thriving enterprises, offering invaluable insights into business growth, innovation, and leveraging the power of community.

Andrea Chong, co-founder of the fashion label Good Addition and a leading influencer, knows that success isn’t just about a good idea – it’s about execution, adaptability, and brand positioning. She spoke about the importance of strategic planning and the need for businesses to evolve with market trends.

“Building a lasting business takes passion, adaptability, and a commitment to quality. Passion keeps you going through the highs and lows, while adaptability ensures you stay relevant in an evolving landscape. But at the core, a great product is what keeps customers coming back,” she said.

Her advice struck a chord with entrepreneurs aiming to build brands that stand the test of time rather than riding short-lived trends.

For Sahur Saleim, founder of beauty brand Sahur’s Art and a digital content creator, innovation flourishes in an environment that encourages open dialogue and inclusivity. She emphasised the need for women to be heard, valued, and supported in their entrepreneurial journeys.

“A strong support system starts with open conversations. I always ask, ‘What do you think? How can we do this better?’ Encouraging women to voice their perspectives and honouring their responses fosters an inclusive space where they feel valued and motivated to take the lead,” she said.

Saleim believes businesses that nurture a collaborative culture tap into hidden potential and create an ecosystem where women are empowered to lead, innovate, and take risks.

As general counsel and company secretary at StarHub, Audra Balasingam brought a digital-first perspective to business growth. She stressed how technology can be a game-changer for small businesses looking to scale efficiently.

“Technology isn’t just a tool – it’s a catalyst for growth. By embracing the right digital solutions, small businesses can scale smarter, operate more efficiently, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing market,” she said.

From automation to customer engagement tools, Balasingam’s insights reinforced the idea that digital innovation is a necessity for long-term success.

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Networking as a catalyst for lasting impact

The activities of HER Hub aren’t just about absorbing knowledge but also about action and connection. Following the panel discussion, the event transformed into a buzzing networking space where women entrepreneurs engaged with industry experts, met potential mentors, and built relationships that extended beyond the event.

The event is not a one-off initiative but part of an overarching mission to empower SMEs. Aside from community-building, the forum provided an avenue for women entrepreneurs to discover digital solutions that can enhance their operational efficiency, customer engagement, and business scalability.

HER Hub encapsulated the essence of what it takes to turn passion into profit and ideas into impact. It reinforced a truth that business leaders have long known – growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It thrives in an ecosystem of support, shared knowledge, and collective ambition.