By: Jesse Summers
In recent years, the American business landscape has witnessed a seismic shift, characterized by an unprecedented rise in women-owned and led enterprises. This transformation embodies a broader narrative of resilience, innovation, and community-building that heralds a new era of entrepreneurship. From 2019 to 2023, women-owned businesses have seen a growth rate that significantly outpaces their male counterparts in terms of the number of firms (94.3%), employment (252.8%), and revenue (82.0%). These figures are not just numbers but stories of determination, grit, and visionary leadership.
As we delve into this transformative epoch driven by female entrepreneurs across America—from tech startups to creative agencies—it’s clear that these trailblazers are not just building businesses; they’re crafting legacies that will inspire generations to come. They navigate markets with strategic finesse while embedding values such as flexibility, inclusivity, and sustainability into their operational DNA.
The United States now boasts over 14 million women-owned small businesses, representing nearly 40% of all entities in the country’s commercial domain. According to Forbes, this surge reflects a profound change in societal norms and business practices that increasingly favor diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, data from the World Economic Forum highlights that almost half (49%) of new businesses in the United States were initiated by women in 2021, marking a significant leap from 28% in 2019. Such statistics underline a fundamental shift towards gender parity in entrepreneurship.
A remarkable facet of this trend is the substantial proportion of these businesses owned by mothers—estimated at about one in three by Working Mother magazine. This equates to approximately 4.7 million enterprises underpinned by maternal insights into consumer needs and market gaps, underscoring the unique blend of personal experience and professional acumen that female entrepreneurs bring to the table.
Amri Kibbler, Co-Founder + Chief Community Officer at HeyMama, (a professional networking community for women) encapsulates this sentiment elegantly: “In the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, women are not just participating; they’re leading the charge with unparalleled innovation and resilience. Many mothers are leaving the corporate workforce in search of flexibility and opportunities to address the unique challenges their families face. They are using their insights to launch businesses that offer solutions previously overlooked. With advancements in technology, it’s now easier than ever to start and scale a business from anywhere, enabling these intrepid women to blend their professional aspirations with their personal commitments seamlessly. At HeyMama, we celebrate this profound shift as more women step into leadership roles and drive meaningful impact across industries.” Kibbler’s words resonate with countless female entrepreneurs who leverage technology to harmonize their professional ambitions with personal commitments.
The creative industries, too, reflect this paradigm shift towards female leadership. Sandy Greenberg, Co-Founder + CEO at Terri & Sandy, (an independent NY based advertising agency) shares her enthusiasm for the burgeoning presence of female-owned agencies making significant industry impacts: “I’m thrilled to see more female-owned agencies making an impact in the industry. There are so many fresh voices out there who are creating brilliant work. When Terri and I were coming up in the business, only 3% of women reached the level of Creative Director. So we are thrilled to see so many amazingly talented, strategic and creative visionaries forge out on their own. It’s also wonderful to see organizations such as Own It and Chief create dynamic communities of female leaders. It gives us the opportunity to swap stories, vent frustrations, and cheer each other on.” Her reflections underscore a notable increase in female representation at senior levels within creative sectors—a marked departure from historical norms.
As we look at the full landscape and the future of hiring in the US, Susan Bortone, Founder of Noble Talent Group (Talent Recruitment and Business Advisory Firm) highlights how women-led businesses are pioneering inclusive cultures across various industries: “Working across industries truly allows us to see a cross section of how businesses are evolving. Not only have we seen an uptick over the years in small to mid size businesses, but an increase in female owned and led brands. Many of our clients are realizing the importance of putting people and culture first with a huge lens on hiring women and diverse talent at all levels, bringing together dynamic viewpoints to foster innovative collaboration and both individual and business growth.” Bortone’s insights reveal an increasing recognition among corporations who have shifted the values diverse leadership brings to innovation and problem-solving.
Moreover, there’s an observable ripple effect wherein established women entrepreneurs lead the way for upcoming ones—creating an ecosystem where success begets success. This spirit of communal upliftment not only accelerates individual ventures but strengthens the fabric of society through economic empowerment and social progress.
In summing up this exploration into America’s burgeoning landscape of women-led enterprises, what emerges vividly is a testament to human potential when barriers are dismantled. The ascent of women-owned businesses is more than an economic phenomenon; it’s a beacon signaling towards a future where entrepreneurial success is defined by talent and tenacity above anything else.
Published By: Aize Perez
