Of course. Here is a comprehensive overview of women-owned business data, covering key statistics, trends, challenges, and sources for further research.

Key Statistics and Highlights (Primarily U.S. Data)

Women-owned businesses are a powerful and growing segment of the global economy. Here are some of the most compelling figures:

Growth and Scale:

• She-cession Recovery: Women started 49% of all new businesses in the post-pandemic period (2020-2023), a significant rebound from the "she-cession" where women disproportionately lost jobs.


• She-Economy: As of 2024, women own ~14 million businesses in the U.S., employing over 12 million workers and generating $2.7 trillion in revenue.


• Rapid Growth: The number of women-owned businesses grew at a rate nearly twice that of all businesses over the past several years.

• Majority-Minority: Women of color are starting businesses at an even faster rate. They now account for 50% of all women-owned businesses.


• Breakdown:


• Black women own ~14% of all women-owned firms.


• Latina women own ~18% of all women-owned firms.


• Asian American women own ~10% of all women-owned firms.

• While the number of firms is high, there's a disparity in scale. The average women-owned business employs 0.9 people (including the owner) and generates ~$230,000 in annual revenue, compared to the average for all businesses which is higher.


• Only about 3% of women-owned businesses break the $1 million revenue mark, highlighting a challenge in scaling.

• Globally, it's estimated that one-third of all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are owned by women.


• The rate of women's entrepreneurship is particularly high in emerging economies, often driven by necessity.

Major Trends in 2024

• Digital-First and E-commerce: Women are leveraging online platforms to start businesses with lower overhead, reaching global markets from the start. Sectors like digital marketing, SaaS, and online retail are booming.


• Focus on Social Impact: Women-owned businesses are more likely to prioritize social responsibility, sustainability, and community impact as core to their mission.


• The Rise of "Mompreneurs": The shift to remote and flexible work has enabled more mothers to launch businesses that allow them to balance family and career.


• Increased Access to Capital: While still a challenge, there are now more funding options than ever, including women-focused venture capital firms, crowdfunding, and grant programs.

Persistent Challenges

Despite the growth, women entrepreneurs face unique hurdles:

• Access to Capital: This is the single biggest challenge. In 2023, female founders received only about 2% of all venture capital funding. They also often face higher interest rates on loans and are required to provide more collateral.


• The Network Gap: Access to influential networks, mentors, and sponsors (often called the "old boys' club") remains a significant barrier to growth and investment.


• Lack of Representation: Fewer women in high-level investment and C-suite roles can perpetuate unconscious bias in funding decisions and business support.


• Balancing Act: Societal expectations around caregiving and domestic responsibilities can place an unequal burden on women entrepreneurs, limiting the time they can dedicate to scaling their businesses.

Where to Find More Data

If you are conducting research, here are the most reliable sources for data on women-owned businesses:

United States:

• U.S. Census Bureau: The Survey of Business Owners (SBO) is the gold standard, providing detailed demographic and economic data. It's conducted every five years.


• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO): A leading advocacy organization that often publishes reports and surveys.


• American Express "State of Women-Owned Businesses" Report: An annual report that is one of the most cited sources for trends and statistics.


• Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Women’s Business Ownership: Provides resources, and data, and oversees Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) across the country.


• Crunchbase: Tracks venture capital funding and provides data on the gender gap in startup financing.

• Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM): Publishes an annual report that includes data on women's entrepreneurship rates, motivations, and challenges across dozens of countries.


• World Bank Group's Women, Business and the Law: Focuses on the legal barriers facing women, including entrepreneurship.


• Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Cities (WE Cities) Index: Ranks cities globally on their ability to attract and support high-potential women entrepreneurs.

Summary

The data paints a clear picture: women-owned businesses are a dynamic and essential engine of economic growth, job creation, and innovation. Their growth rate is impressive, and their impact is profound, especially within communities of color. However, systemic barriers, particularly in access to capital and networks, continue to limit their potential scale. Addressing these challenges is key to unlocking the full economic power of women entrepreneurs.