The U.S. Census Bureau has released its first-ever Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs, showing women own 20% of firms with paid employees — but contribute only 4% of employer-firm sales.
Features
We've interviewed hundreds of successful women entrepreneurs about their small business journeys and what they learned along the way. Read the stories of inspiring startup founders, mid-stage strivers and established business leaders. Learn from the experiences of women business owners of every age working in every industry, from around the world. Discover the many paths women are taking to build great companies, break through barriers and cultivate economic and social good. Get ready! These everyday role models may well inspire you to start your own business, or give you killer ideas for growing the one you have. You may even feel inspired to share your startup story with us.
Scaling Up: When Debt is a Good Four-Letter Word
Many women business owners believe debt is “bad,” but it can be a very good thing for entrepreneurs who want to expand their reach, without giving up ownership or control to an equity investor.
Scaling Up: When Cash is Queen
Laura Zander has relied on cash and cash alone to build a $9 million business. For her, getting scale has been more about honing product strategy and organizational chops than injecting capital, she says.
Starting a Business with a Helping of Homework
Young women are charging into entrepreneurship. We talked to five dynamos who founded businesses in college or soon after — and learned a lot about the benefits of starting up young.
A Female Entrepreneur Rises from Defeat
Funlayo Alabi’s venture, Shea Radiance, suffered a huge setback a few years ago. But purpose and passion gave her the strength to weather the storm.
In Ballet, Women Rise by Stepping Out of Line
Classical ballet is dominated by women, yet few lead American companies. We talked to female artistic directors to find out why.
Who are the Democratic Women Candidates?
Democratic women are contesting a significant number of races for House, Senate and governorships throughout the country. And many have been shattering barriers for women in politics for years.
Who are the Republican Women Candidates?
From Midwestern matriarchs to impassioned immigrants, Republican women vying for elected office in 2016 are of one mind in championing traditional party principles. What does this reveal about the GOP today, and what could it mean for 2017?
When Dreams of Growth Require a Business Shift
Kryshon Bratton of Houston runs a solid pool-building company, but she sees her real opportunity for profit and scale in another sort of construction business.
WTRMLN WTR Makes a Refreshingly Sustainable Splash
Serial entrepreneur Jody Levy’s latest business, WTRMLN WTR, is grabbing the attention of everyone from fitness fanatics and superstars to everyday consumers.
A Woman Business Owner Survives, Time And Time Again
Maryann Piazza’s New York firm, Majestic Vending & Services, has endured a national tragedy, economic downturn and a natural disaster. But it has always come out on top.
Lifting Up Female Workers a World Away
Miriam Farhan started The Market Find to bring empowerment and economic opportunity to Pakistani women like her.
Three Good Women
The Story Exchange presents our shortlist of stand-out female entrepreneurs who run businesses that are not only doing well, but doing good in the world.
Being an Immigrant and a Woman: Double Advantage or Double Disadvantage?
Immigrant women entrepreneurs face many challenges as they enter the business world. But are these challenges always disadvantages? Can they become advantages?
Melissa Austria is Building the Retail Store of the Future
The feisty owner of Toronto menswear retailer Gotstyle is mixing and matching old-school service and digital technologies in a bid to survive — and thrive — in an increasingly tough industry.