A Look at the Numbers on Women in Business

A quick glimpse at the inspiring numbers of businesses owned by women

• Over 10 million firms have at least 50% of women ownership
• 48% of privately owned businesses have at least half woman ownership
• Between 1997 and 2004, the projected growth rate in the number of female ownership was nearly double of other firms (17% vs. 9%). Employment increased at double rate in these firms
• Women-owned businesses generate $2.5 trillion in revenue and employ over 19 million people
• Between 1997 and 2004, 50% or more of women in private businesses ventured into other industries with the fastest growth recorded in construction at 30% growth. Transportation, communications and public utilities also saw their share of growth at 28% and agriculture at 24% growth.
• Between 1997 and 2004, we have seen women-owned firms expand at an estimated 28%
• Between information technology, telecommunications, human resources and shipping, annual expenditure at women-owned businesses is projected to hit $103 billion
• Between 1997 and 2004, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada recorded the fastest growth rates in the number of privately owned women businesses.