Women in Business: Breaking Barriers and Driving Growth

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in all aspects of society—including business. Women entrepreneurs are a growing force in the economy, creating jobs, driving innovation, and making a significant impact across industries.

Despite challenges, the number of women-owned businesses has surged in recent years. Let’s take a look at some key statistics that highlight the progress and opportunities for women in business today.

Women-Owned Businesses by the Numbers

42% of all U.S. businesses are women-owned, totaling nearly 13 million businesses.

Women-owned businesses generate approximately $1.9 trillion in annual revenue.

Over 12 million people are employed by women-owned businesses, contributing significantly to job creation.

The number of businesses owned by women of color has grown at a rate of 43% over the past decade, outpacing the overall growth rate of women-owned businesses.

Industries Leading the Way

Women entrepreneurs are making an impact across all sectors, but some industries see particularly high representation:

Health and wellness (over 60% women-owned).
Education services (over 55% women-owned).
Retail and e-commerce, with women leading in small boutique businesses and online stores.
Professional services (law, accounting, consulting), where women-owned firms continue to grow.

Challenges Women Entrepreneurs Still Face

While women-owned businesses are growing, there are still obstacles:

Access to capital: Women receive less than 3% of venture capital funding despite owning nearly half of all businesses.
Leadership representation: Only 10% of Fortune 500 companies have a female CEO.
Work-life balance pressures: Women entrepreneurs often juggle business ownership with family responsibilities.

The Future of Women in Business

Unlike traditional banks, we take the time to understand your business and its unique challenges.

Dedicated Loan Specialists: Work with experts who are focused on finding the best funding solution for you.
Ongoing Support: We’re here to help beyond the funding process, offering guidance as your business grows.

Build Toward Future Success

Women-owned businesses are projected to grow at a faster rate than businesses overall.

More initiatives, grants, and investment programs are emerging to support women entrepreneurs.

The rise of women-focused networking groups and mentorship programs is helping new business owners gain knowledge and connections.

Final Thoughts

Women continue to break barriers in business, proving that they are a driving force in the economy. This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate their achievements, advocate for greater opportunities, and support the next generation of women entrepreneurs.

Want to support women-owned businesses? Seek out female-led companies, amplify their success stories, and contribute to the ongoing progress of women in business!

Disclaimer.

This Probably Funding blog post is purely educational and features general information and opinions. Nothing contained herein is intended to constitute advice or recommendations and should not be treated as such.