TSE K 645

TSE K 645 is a criteria document that brings together the basic definitions used in women’s entrepreneurship and supports assessment of whether a business is women-owned, women-led, or women-managed. It addresses the common terminology in this field and the general points used to determine whether ownership, management, and control rest with women entrepreneurs.

How the core terms relate to one another

In general technical context, women’s entrepreneurship is not limited to legal ownership alone. Ownership, leadership, and management describe different dimensions of influence in a business: ownership concerns equity or proprietary interest, leadership concerns strategic direction, and management concerns day-to-day or executive control. A business may satisfy one dimension while not fully meeting another, which is why clear definitions matter when a common classification is needed.

General framework for certification programmes

The document also notes, in Annex A for information, points that may be considered when designing a certification programme under this criterion. As general technical context, such programmes commonly look at corporate documents, governance roles, decision-making authority, and evidence of effective control alongside declarations from the business itself. The standard provides a shared definitional basis rather than a detailed sector-specific audit method or a universal compliance formula.

• Women-owned businesses
• Women-led businesses
• Women-managed businesses
• Determination of ownership, management, and control by women entrepreneurs
• Informative considerations for certification programme development in Annex A