Polish Women Entrepreneurs Put Financial Security First, Survey Finds

Financial security is the top marker of success for Polish women who run their own businesses: 56% of them name it first, according to the report "Polki i przedsiębiorczość 2026". The study was released as the 18th edition of the Sukces Pisany Szminką (Success Written in Lipstick) contest launched.

Success on their own terms

Instytut Badań Pollster ran the survey in September 2026 using the CAWI online method. It covered a representative sample of 1,000 adult Poles and 300 women entrepreneurs.

In the entrepreneur group, 56% feel they achieve success on their own terms, compared with 45% of all respondents. For 42% of women business owners, the ideal professional life means independence and control over their time. Among all respondents, only 18% said the same, and the same share pointed to stable, predictable work.

Health and well-being define success for 47% of women entrepreneurs. Across the whole sample, half named health and half named financial security, 35% named independence, and just 8% named promotion or a high professional position.

What would they change?

The researchers also asked what respondents would do if money were no constraint. Some 28% of women entrepreneurs would change nothing about how they work. Another 24% would spend more time on their own projects and passions, and 9% would choose to work less. Among all Poles, only 9% said they would switch to work closer to their interests.

Olga Kozierowska, the contest's originator and president of the We Did It Foundation, said many entrepreneurs still deserve greater recognition. Marta Życińska, head of Mastercard Europe's Polish branch and the contest's strategic partner, stressed that financial independence lets women make decisions and pursue their ambitions.

How to enter

The contest recognises entrepreneurs, activists, educators and organisations working for equality, diversity and inclusion. Nominations are open until 31 December 2026, and candidates can apply until 10 January 2027 through the contest website. Participation is free.