The Algarve, with its stunning coastline and enviable lifestyle, is a dream destination for those seeking a new chapter. However, it’s not often the place expats move for career advancement. Unlike Lisbon or Porto, the Algarve offers few corporate opportunities, particularly for professionals from abroad. For those who choose to live here and sustain an income, the path often involves building an entirely new business from scratch and redefining their careers.

This shift is especially evident among professional women who relocate to the Algarve. Whether it’s by necessity or inspiration, these women are embracing reinvention, often venturing into completely new industries.

A Surge in Midlife Entrepreneurship

Globally, midlife entrepreneurship is booming. Since the pandemic, this trend has accelerated by 43%, with the average age of a successful entrepreneur now at 45. Interestingly, data shows that founders aged 50+ are nearly twice as likely to succeed as their younger counterparts. This challenges the notion that innovation belongs exclusively to the young.

While the media often celebrates the college dropout who builds a billion-dollar business in a garage, the reality is different for many. Experienced professionals with decades of knowledge, extensive networks, and financial stability are increasingly entering the entrepreneurial space. The Algarve reflects this shift, with international women leading the charge.

Here, nearly 80% of women who relocate must pivot their careers. Many find themselves in fields they never imagined, drawn to opportunities aligned with their personal values and the local lifestyle. For instance, Sara from the Netherlands, once a pharmacist, is now blending science and spirituality to transform healthcare. She’s on a mission to bring alternative therapies, such as psychedelics, into the mainstream through responsible, evidence-based practices. Meanwhile, Bernadette, who worked in Finance and HR in Paris, has become one of the Algarve’s most accomplished real estate agents.

Among these new ventures, three main industries clearly dominate:

  • Health and Wellness (34%): Yoga and meditation instructors, wellness retreat leaders, and holistic therapists are repositioning the Algarve as a hub for rejuvenation.
  • Real Estate (27%): Women are thriving as property agents, interior designers, and holiday rental managers in one of Portugal’s most dynamic markets.
  • Consulting and Coaching (22%): Life coaches, business mentors, and course creators are leveraging their expertise to guide others toward their goals.

This surge in midlife entrepreneurship is not only reshaping the professional landscape but also enriching the Algarve’s community with innovation and diversity.

Why Women Pivot

For many professional women, the pivot to a new career is as much about necessity as it is about opportunity. Traditional corporate roles, with their rigid schedules, clash with the freedom and flexibility that attract people to Portugal in the first place. Compounding this, the Algarve offers limited opportunities in a corporate environment, making it nearly impossible to find equivalent roles to those left behind.

However, this shift often marks a moment of profound reinvention. Relocating to the Algarve becomes a catalyst for introspection, encouraging women to realign their careers with their personal values and lifestyle aspirations. For many, this means pursuing more meaningful, purpose-driven work.

Women bring unique strengths to entrepreneurship. As natural caregivers and educators, they excel in roles that require empathy, connection, and impact—qualities that are critical in building customer-centric businesses. Their accumulated experience and wisdom further amplify their chances of success, helping them navigate challenges with pragmatism and confidence.

The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

While the rise of entrepreneurial women in the Algarve is inspiring, the journey is far from easy. Most women work from home, which often means limited exposure to a broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. This isolation makes it hard to find mentors, seek advice, or even ask basic questions. Without access to a supportive network, many entrepreneurs face decision-making alone, unsure of where to turn for guidance or reassurance.

This lack of connection can make entrepreneurship a lonely and daunting experience, especially in the early stages of building a business. Recognising these struggles, the Algarve Women’s Network (AWN) has created a solution. Their Entrepreneurial Masterclasses are designed to bridge the gap, offering women the tools, strategies, and community support they need to thrive. These masterclasses provide more than just business insights—they create a shared space where women can connect, collaborate, and grow together.

As we approach the end of 2024, women in the Algarve face a choice: to navigate their entrepreneurial journey alone or to join a supportive community. AWN masterclasses, set to launch in early 2025, are designed to provide clarity, build confidence, and offer actionable guidance. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling an existing business, these sessions ensure you’re not alone on your path to success.

A Movement of Reinvention

The story of entrepreneurial women in the Algarve reflects a broader global trend. The pandemic reshaped how we think about work, driving many to prioritise purpose, flexibility, and fulfilment. For midlife women, this is a moment to rewrite their narratives, proving that innovation and success are not bound by age.

So, whether you’re considering a new venture or looking to grow an existing one, the Algarve offers a unique opportunity for reinvention. It’s not just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.

For more information about AWN’s 2025 Entrepreneurial Masterclasses, visit www.algarvewomensnetwork.com