Most women believe they have the same business opportunities as men but many are held back by lack of funding, a survey showed today.

Research among 300 working women showed virtually all had considered starting up their own business, while three out of four believed they had had a "great idea" which they never acted on.

Few of those polled by women's web site handbag.com said long hours and stress would deter them from setting up a business.

Two-thirds said they had the same opportunities as men but half cited lack of finances as the main obstacle.

The site said its poll supported evidence that less than a third of business start-ups in the UK involved women - compared with two-fifths in the United States.

Editor Debbie Djordjevic said: "While financial obstacles still need to be addressed, women are confident and have the self-belief, creativity and know-how to make things happen."

Thursday September 4, 2003