Sola Oluwole is a development finance specialist and advocate for inclusive entrepreneurship. With over 15 years of experience, she helps diverse founders, especially women access finance, mentorship, and growth opportunities. In this conversation, she shares insights into her journey, her work at BDC and 3G Action, and her perspective on the power of visibility and leadership.

Inspiration Behind Sola Oluwole’s Passion for Inclusive Entrepreneurship

My passion for supporting underrepresented founders traces back to my university days. While studying Economics at Obafemi Awolowo University, I took Development Economics classes with Professor Soetan, who opened our eyes to the structural challenges faced by underdeveloped regions and marginalized groups, particularly women and children. That exposure sparked my curiosity and led me to pursue further studies in Development Finance. The more I learned, the deeper my conviction grew to make a tangible difference. When I later moved to Canada, I saw firsthand the historical and systemic barriers that continue to limit access to opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. That experience reignited the same fire from my early years, but this time, with a clearer purpose. I’m grateful that I’ve found myself in positions where I don’t just talk about the problem, but I get to do something about it, actively opening doors that were once closed, helping women, Black, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs access the resources, financing, and support they need to build thriving businesses.

Lessons from Working with Women Entrepreneurs and Access to Finance

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that women entrepreneurs are immensely capable but still significantly underfunded. Women often start businesses after spotting real gaps in the market, they see a need and step up to solve it. A Boston Consulting Group study found that companies founded by women deliver more than twice as much revenue per dollar invested as those founded by men. Yet women still launch businesses with about 50% less capital, and according to IFC data, they receive 31% smaller loans on average. Meanwhile, less than 3% of global venture capital goes to women-led startups. The issue isn’t talent, it’s access. Secondly, bias remains a quiet but persistent barrier. I’ve seen how women are sometimes asked different questions when pitching, often focused on risk rather than potential. It’s subtle, but it signals doubt about their capability. Nothing could be further from the truth. Finally, confidence and community can shift everything. During my time as a Regional Manager at BDC, I made it a priority to seek out, coach, and champion women entrepreneurs. Over time, I began seeing real change, women walking into funding meetings with greater confidence, understanding their numbers, and owning their worth. We are making progress. Financial institutions and government programs are stepping up, but there’s still work ahead. True equity will come when women no longer must fight for a seat at the table because they’re already building the tables themselves.

The Story Behind 3Gs International and Its Global Impact

I founded 3Gs International over a decade ago to help women grow into greatness. The idea was born out of my own experience as a young woman living in the Middle East, searching for a space to express my calling and connect with others on a similar journey. What began as a small gathering of four women in my living room evolved into a thriving community with members across the UK, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia. Our focus has always been on four pillars; Faith, Financial Empowerment, Friendships, and Fulfillment. Through expert-led sessions, open conversations, and a vibrant community, we’ve helped women strengthen their confidence, financial literacy, and leadership skills.Over the years, members have shared how much the platform has enriched their lives, from gaining clarity on investments and business finances to building lifelong friendships. Although our WhatsApp group has transitioned, we continue to connect and inspire through @3gs_intl on Instagram. Thirteen years on, I’m proud of how a personal quest for connection became a global sisterhood of empowered women.

Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs Seeking Funding and Visibility

Entrepreneurs often underestimate the importance of relationship-building in accessing capital. My advice is simple, develop a relationship with your banker before you have a need. Let them know who you are, what your business does, and what drives you. Invite them for coffee, share updates, and ask for their perspective on your plans. When the time comes to seek financing, you’re no longer a stranger, you’re a familiar face they already trust and want to support. That familiarity often makes the funding process smoother and turns bankers into your internal advocates. Equally critical is managing your digital reputation. Funders increasingly assess the public perception of a business alongside its financial performance. Online reviews, client feedback, and social media presence all contribute to an organization’s credibility. So, stay visible, nurture authentic relationships, and protect your digital footprint, credibility is built long before you ask for capital.

Expectations for the Media Visibility Bootcamp

My main goal is to help women understand how to use capital as a growth tool, not a last resort. The right financing, deployed at the right time, can accelerate expansion and strengthen their businesses. For women and women of colour, leaning into their uniqueness is also strategic. Your lived experience, cultural insight, and networks can be powerful assets that shape your brand, differentiate your business, and drive growth. Ultimately, I want participants to leave feeling confident about using both capital and visibility as tools to open doors, scale their businesses, and position themselves for longterm success.

The Power of Visibility in Driving Economic Empowerment

Visibility is a powerful catalyst for economic empowerment; it’s how opportunities find you. In my own journey, being visible has opened doors that advanced my career, business, and impact. When people can see your work, your values, and your results, they’re more inclined to trust you, invest in you, and collaborate with you. But visibility shouldn’t stop at the individual level alone. When women organize and show up collectively, we become impossible to ignore. As a visible and unified community, we can influence policymakers, shape programs, and advocate for systems that work to our advantage.
When women are seen, they lead, and when they lead, economies change.

Vision for the Future of Women in Business and Development

My goal is to keep opening doors for women entrepreneurs, helping them access the funding they need by coaching them through the process and connecting them to my network of funders. I also hope one day to help shape policies and programs that make the journey easier and success more achievable for women and young people. For the future in Canada and beyond, I envision a future with more women-owned and women-led venture funds driving capital toward women founders, raising that 3% share of global venture funding to something far greater.

Three Women Who Inspire Sola Oluwole 

My mother: She is strong, passionate, and enterprising. She introduced me to entrepreneurship through her boutique business, involving me in day-to-day operations and teaching me how to interact with customers and keep proper records. She pushed a shy teenager out of her comfort zone and laid the foundation for the businesswoman I am today. CeCe Winans: Her unwavering consistency over the years inspires me to stay the course and remain grounded in purpose. She reminds me that true influence comes from integrity and service, and she motivates me to be a worthy role model to younger women coming behind me. Myself: At the risk of sounding conceited, I draw inspiration from my own journey. I’ve been dealt various personal and professional ‘blows’, yet I continue to rise, grow, and persevere. My resilience reminds me that progress is possible, and the best chapters are still ahead.

What Makes Sola Oluwole a Woman of Rubies

What makes me unique is the blend of my personality and perspective. I’ve been described as having a sunrise personality, serene yet bright. For a long time, I admired extroverts, I still do but embracing my quiet strength has been liberating. It’s allowed me to bring my whole self into every space I occupy and to share my often-unconventional perspectives with confidence. I’m also a deeply creative person. I enjoy working with my hands, a passion I’ve expressed through my jewelry and cake-decorating ventures, Beracah Beads and Beracah Cakes. My creativity also comes alive in the programs I design to empower others. It’s my way of connecting with the world, transforming ideas into impact and bringing a touch of beauty wherever I can.