Article that tackles women in business statistics, facts, trends & the future
Have you noticed how women are reshaping the business world?

It’s pretty amazing. Women aren’t just participating – they’re leading.

More women are starting businesses, growing their companies, and breaking barriers. And it’s only getting started.

If you’re thinking about launching a coaching business, now is the perfect time. The opportunities for women in business have never been greater. The stats speak for themselves: women are thriving, innovating, and leading with authenticity and resilience.

In this article, we’ll explore women in business statistics that show how females are making waves in business. These numbers aren’t just figures, they’re proof of what’s possible when women step up and create their own path.

And if you’re thinking about starting your own small business or coaching others, these numbers will show you the road ahead.

Check out the stats that highlight why now is such a great time for women to start a business, and how you can be part of this wave of change.

Key Women in Business Statistics (Quick Summary)

Women entrepreneurs are making a major impact on the U.S. economy, but the data shows there’s still a long way to go.

Check out the women-owned business statistics shaping the current state of the economy:

  1. Market growth: There are 14.5 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  2. National presence: Female business owners make up 39.2% of all U.S. firms. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  3. Job creation: These businesses led by women employ 12.9 million people – 9.6% of the national workforce. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  4. Economic impact: Women-owned businesses generate $3.3 trillion in revenue. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  5. Business expansion: From 2019-2024, women-owned businesses grew by 17.1%. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  6. Employment gains: Jobs at women-owned businesses increased 19.5% in five years. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  7. Revenue growth: Revenue from these businesses owned by women rose 53.8% between 2019 and 2024. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  8. Economic potential: Equalizing average revenue with men-owned firms could add $10.2 trillion to the economy. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  9. Slow parity: At the current rate, revenue parity with men-owned firms will take 120 years. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  10. Asian American presence: These entrepreneurs own 9.8% of all women-owned businesses. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  11. Demographic context: Asian American women make up 7% of the adult female U.S. population. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  12. Employer strength: 14.1% of employer women-owned firms are Asian American-owned. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  13. Fastest-growing: Asian American women-owned businesses grew 22.3% from 2019-2024. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  14. Hiring power: Employment rose 28.4% in Asian American women-owned businesses. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  15. Revenue spike: Revenue from these businesses jumped 40.9% over five years. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  16. Black women’s leadership: 14% of all women-owned businesses are Black/African American-owned. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  17. Population alignment: Black women make up 13% of the female U.S. population. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  18. Hiring boom: Black women-owned employer firms increased employees by 44.4%. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  19. Revenue surge: Black women-owned businesses saw a 102.8% increase in revenue. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  20. Latina-owned momentum: Hispanic/Latino women own 14.5% of women-owned businesses. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  21. Population insight: Hispanic/Latino women make up 19% of the female population. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  22. Revenue gains: Latina-owned businesses increased revenue by 61.7%. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  23. Job growth: Employment in Hispanic/Latina-owned firms grew by nearly 20%. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  24. Revenue snapshot: Average revenue is $59K for Black women-owned businesses. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  25. Revenue snapshot: Latina-owned businesses average $108K in revenue. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  26. Revenue snapshot: Asian American women-owned businesses average $216K. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  27. Overall average: The average revenue across all women-owned businesses is $226K. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  28. Revenue gap impact: Matching men-owned business revenue could add $10.2 trillion annually. (The 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report)
  29. Racial equity gap: Equalizing revenue among a minority number of women and white women-owned firms could add $832 billion. (The 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report)
  30. Middle market underrepresentation: Only 2.4% of women-owned businesses qualify as middle-market firms. (The 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report)

Latest Women-Owned Business Statistics (2025)

Sarah Thorslund, small business expert and co-founder of Talks.co and Entrepreneurs HQ

The rise of women-owned businesses isn’t a side trend; it’s a major force in the U.S. economy. Women continue to start companies at scale, generating serious revenue and employing a million workers. This isn’t just representation – it’s impact.

In fact, women-owned businesses represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. business ecosystem. (Kauffman Foundation, 2024)

And if you take a look at the recent life coaching statistics, you’ll find that 72% of women are life coaches.

  • 14.5 million women-owned businesses are active in the U.S. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • Women own 39.2% of all U.S. businesses (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • These businesses generate $2.7 trillion in annual revenue in high-income countries. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • Women-owned firms employ 10.9 million people in low-income countries. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • Women-owned employer firms pay out $432 billion in annual payroll. (U.S. Census ABS, 2022)
  • From 2019 to 2024, the number of women-owned businesses grew by 17.1%. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • The number of women-owned employer businesses grew by 16.5% in the same period. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)

That’s not just growth. That’s momentum.

Male vs. Female Business Statistics

There’s still a noticeable gender gap between male- and female-owned businesses, but the numbers are slowly shifting. Women are launching more businesses than ever before, but they’re still operating with fewer resources and smaller returns compared to their male counterparts.

  • Women-owned businesses account for 6.2% of total U.S. business revenue. (The 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report)
  • Male-owned businesses account for 35.9% of total U.S. business revenue. (The 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report)
  • Women-owned employer firms make up 22.4% of all employer firms in the U.S. (U.S. Census ABS, 2022)
  • White men are 2x more likely to own an employer business than women. (U.S. Census ABS, 2022)
  • Women-owned businesses average $219,000 in annual revenue compared to men with businesses, which average $607,000. (NAWBO, 2023)
  • 88% of women-owned businesses are non-employer firms, compared to 82% of male-owned. (U.S. Census, 2023)
  • Women entrepreneurs receive just 2.1% of total venture capital funding. (PitchBook, 2023)

What Percentage of Business Owners Are Female?

Group photo of Women in Business Award winners, showcasing women who grew successful businesses

Women now own nearly 4 in 10 U.S. businesses, and these women’s business presence is growing across industries. Compared to just a few decades ago, the shift is massive.

  • Globally, women represent only 1 in 3 growth-oriented entrepreneurs. (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 2023)
  • 39.2% of all U.S. businesses are women-owned. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • 22.4% of employer firms are women-owned. (U.S. Census ABS, 2022)
  • 47% of all women-owned businesses are owned by women of color ( Amex 2019 Report)
  • Black women own 2.4 million businesses, the highest of any minority group. (JP Morgan Institute, 2023)
  • In 1972, women owned just 4.6% of U.S. businesses. (WBENC)
  • From 1972 to 2024, women-owned businesses grew by over 3,400%. (American Express State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, 2019)
  • According to coaching statistics, 67% of business coaches are women. (Investing in Women, 2022)

What Percentage of Entrepreneurs Are Female?
Infographic showing key statistics about female entrepreneurs in the U.S.

More women are becoming entrepreneurs and not just in traditional niches. They’re building everything from solo consultancies to tech startups and ecommerce brands. For many, female entrepreneurship is a way to gain freedom and flexibility.

  • Women make up 46.4% of all U.S. entrepreneurs. (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 2023)
  • 64% of new women-led business ownership in 2023 were started by women of color. (JP Morgan Institute, 2023)
  • 32% of female entrepreneurs say flexibility is their top reason for starting a business. (FreshBooks Women in the Workforce Report, 2022)
  • 59% of female founders are solo entrepreneurs building brand authority. (U.S. Census, 2023)
  • Women are more likely to bootstrap their business than men, with 58% using personal savings to get started. (Guidant Financial, 2024)

Statistics About Female Entrepreneurs

Female business owners gather at a leadership event for International Women’s Day in Algarve

The numbers speak for themselves. Women entrepreneurs are generating billions, creating job opportunities, and entering fast-growing sectors. They’re not just joining the game; they’re changing how it’s played and making more room for improvement.

  • Revenue from women-owned businesses increased by 53.8% between 2019 and 2024. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • Women-owned businesses contribute $2.7 trillion to the U.S. economy annually. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • There are now over 3,000 new women-owned businesses launched every day by women in the U.S. (American Express State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, 2019)
  • Women entrepreneurs are 30% more likely than men to start a business in health, education, or social services. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2023)
  • Female-owned businesses saw 18% growth in eCommerce launches post-2020. (Shopify, 2023)
  • In healthcare and social assistance, women-owned firms employ nearly 1.7 million people. (National Women’s Business Council, 2024)
  • 58% of women bootstrap their businesses using personal savings (ByteStart, 2023)

Who Is the Most Successful Businesswoman in the World?

Depends on how you define success. Wealth, impact, influence? Two names come up again and again: Oprah Winfrey and Melanie Perkins. Different paths, same outcome: massive success.

Oprah Winfrey: Media mogul and cultural icon

Oprah Winfrey, one of the most successful female entrepreneurs, featured in Super Soul episode

Oprah started with nothing and became the first Black woman billionaire. The number one reason is that her talk show has dominated TV for 25 years. Then she launched Harpo Productions, her own TV network (OWN), a magazine, and a book club that turns titles into bestsellers overnight.

She’s more than a media personality – she’s a business force, building everything under her own name and calling the shots the entire way. If you’re looking for personal branding examples that work? Look no further than Oprah.

Net worth: $2.8 billion (Forbes, 2024)

Melanie Perkins: Tech unicorn founder shaking up design

Oprah Winfrey, one of the most successful female entrepreneurs, featured in Super Soul episode

Melanie co-founded Canva to make design easy for non-designers. Today, Canva has 135+ million users, is valued at $40 billion, and is one of the most used tools in online business. She became one of the youngest female tech CEOs to build a unicorn, and she still runs the company.

No hype, no loud PR campaigns. Just a smart idea, built well, solving a real problem.

I met Melanie back in 2014. She invited me to a small gathering on her yacht in Sydney Harbour, with fewer than a dozen people onboard, including her two co-founders. We chatted as the sun went down, and even then, it was clear she was building something with serious potential.

Net worth: $3.6 billion (Forbes, 2024)

Women in Industry Statistics

Women have been making impressive strides across various industries, whether it’s tech, finance, or healthcare. Their growing presence isn’t just a trend – it’s a powerful force shaping the future.

More women are not only entering traditionally male-dominated fields but also becoming leaders and innovators, proving their impact and how they continue to grow their businesses is far-reaching and essential for industry evolution.

  • Professional, scientific, and technical services (PSTS): Women-owned businesses in this sector generate $276.7 billion in revenue, with an average revenue of $136,000. (The 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report)
  • Health care and social assistance: These women-owned businesses generate $241.3 billion in revenue, with an average revenue of $129,000. (The 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report)
  • Other services: Women-owned businesses and small businesses across this sector are projected to generate $95.7 billion in 2024, with an average revenue of $55,000. (The 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report)

Just starting your business? Read the small business statistics to help you begin confidently.

Women in Business Growth Statistics

Infographic showing growth statistics for women business owners in the U.S. from 2019 to 2024

The numbers behind the rise of women-owned businesses tell a powerful story. Over the past few years, women have been starting businesses at an accelerating pace, contributing to a major shift in the business landscape.

These businesses are growing rapidly, showing not just growth in numbers but also increasing influence in driving economic change and creating jobs.

  • The number of women-owned businesses increased by 43.5% faster than men-owned businesses from 2019 to 2024. (The 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report)
  • Employment in women-owned businesses grew by 19.5% from 2019 to 2024. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • 14.5 million women-owned businesses exist in the U.S. as of 2024, comprising 39.2% of all U.S. firms. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • Between 2020 and 2023, the number of women starting businesses rose by 24%, spurred by shifts toward remote work and flexible income streams. (SCORE, 2024)
  • 67% of women-owned small businesses say hiring has become more difficult post COVID-19 pandemic. (QuickBooks)

Women in Business Effectiveness Statistics

It’s not just about growth; it’s about results. Women-owned businesses are proving to be highly effective in driving profitability, creating jobs, and innovating across sectors, especially if you look at the online learning statistics.

These statistics show how women entrepreneurs are rising to the challenge and outperforming expectations, establishing their businesses as strong pillars in the economy.

  • Women-owned businesses generate $3.3 trillion in revenue, contributing 6.2% of total U.S. firm revenue. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • The average revenue of women-owned businesses in 2024 is $226K. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • Women-owned businesses have the potential to add an extra $10.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy if their average revenue matched that of male-owned businesses. (The 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report)
  • During economic downturns, women-owned businesses are more likely to pivot and survive – 32% more likely to adjust business models than male-owned firms. (Visa Small Business Resilience Report, 2023)

Global Women in Business Statistics

Women’s impact on the global business scene is undeniable. Across the world, women are taking charge of enterprises, creating jobs, and shaping economic landscapes.

These global statistics demonstrate how women’s entrepreneurial spirit is growing, challenging norms, and driving change on a scale that’s becoming impossible to ignore.

  • 39% of the global workforce is employed by women-owned businesses. (Global Women Entrepreneurs Report, 2024)
  • Women entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region have seen a 22% growth in new startups in 2024, contributing to the region’s economic expansion. (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 2024)
  • In Europe, women own 30% of businesses, with particular strength in the healthcare and education sectors. (Global Women Entrepreneurs Report, 2024)

US Women in Business Statistics

In the U.S., women entrepreneurs have carved out a massive and influential role in the economy. Women-owned businesses across the country are growing at a remarkable pace, contributing billions to the economy and employing millions.

The latest statistics reflect the significant and continued rise of women founders in business, showcasing their determination and success across various industries.

  • Women-owned businesses in the U.S. employ 12.9 million people, making up 9.6% of the total workforce. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • Revenue from women-owned businesses grew by 53.8% between 2019 and 2024. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • The average revenue for Black/African American women-owned businesses is $59K. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • The average revenue for Hispanic/Latino women-owned businesses is $108K. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • Asian American women own 9.8% of women-owned businesses in 2024. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • Black/African American women own 14% of women-owned businesses in 2024. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • Hispanic/Latino women own 14.5% of women-owned businesses in 2024. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)

Why Women in Business Is Important

Women in business drive growth, create jobs, and push innovation forward. Here are 10 reasons why it matters:

  1. Stronger economic output: Women-owned businesses contribute $2.7 trillion annually to the U.S. economy.
  2. Faster business growth: Women-led companies are being launched at record speed, up 17.1% from 2019 to 2024.
  3. Job creation: These businesses employ over 10.9 million people.
  4. Leadership performance: Companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are more profitable and more innovative.
  5. Inclusive hiring: Women-owned businesses are more likely to hire women and minorities.
  6. Closing the wealth gap: Entrepreneurship gives women more control over income, equity, and financial freedom.
  7. Community impact: Many women-owned businesses focus on social impact and reinvest in their communities.
  8. Better workplace culture: Women in leadership often prioritize collaboration, flexibility, and employee well-being.
  9. Representation matters: Seeing women succeed in business encourages the next generation to aim higher.
  10. Global impact: Women-led businesses are shaping industries around the world, not just in the U.S.

Hardships for Women in Business

The momentum is real, but so are the roadblocks. Here are ten challenges women in business still face:

  1. Less access to capital: Women receive just 2% of total venture funding, while women of color receive less than 1% of VC funding. (World Economic Forum, 2023)
  2. Gender bias: Female founders are often judged more harshly or held to different standards than their male peers.
  3. Fewer mentorship opportunities: Many women lack access to experienced mentors and networks.
  4. Work-life balance pressures: Women are more likely to juggle caregiving responsibilities alongside their business.
  5. Limited representation in leadership: Women still hold a small percentage of executive roles.
  6. Discrimination in male-dominated industries: Women often face resistance in sectors like tech, finance, or construction.
  7. Unequal pay: Even women business owners can face gender-based pricing expectations from clients and vendors.
  8. Imposter syndrome: Many women experience self-doubt due to societal messaging or lack of visible role models.
  9. Access to high-growth sectors: Men are more likely to dominate industries with higher growth potential or higher margins.
  10. Cultural and systemic barriers: Especially for women of color, immigrant women, or LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

Future of Women in Business

The trends show clear momentum, and it’s not slowing down. Here’s what the future looks like, based on the most recent data:

  • Women are launching over 3,000 new businesses every day. That growth rate is expected to continue, especially in digital sectors and service-based industries. (American Express State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, 2019)
  • Revenue is climbing fast. From 2019 to 2024, women-owned business revenue grew by 53.8%. (Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth, 2024)
  • Women of color are driving growth. In 2023, 64% of new women-owned businesses were started by women of color. (JP Morgan Institute, 2023)
  • Entrepreneurship is becoming the top path to freedom. Flexibility is now the #1 reason women start businesses, especially for solo founders. (FreshBooks Women in the Workforce Report, 2022)
  • More women are entering traditionally male-led sectors. Health, education, social services, and tech are seeing big shifts. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2023)
  • Support systems are improving. There’s more access to female-focused funding, coaching, and networks than ever before. (Guidant Financial 2024, WBENC, and NAWBO insights)
  • Bootstrapping is still common, but not holding women back. 58% of female entrepreneurs use personal savings to get started and are still seeing results. (Guidant Financial, 2024)

The bottom line? The future of business includes more women at the table, starting their own coaching businesses, leading companies, driving innovation, and building wealth.

Female-Forward Future

These women in business statistics aren’t just impressive – they’re proof. Proof that women are driving the economy, leading innovation, and growing businesses at scale.

But stats don’t build themselves. Behind every number is a coach, consultant, author, or expert who made it happen and who’s ready for more.

If you want to grow your business, raise your rates, or build something more scalable, I’ve got you.

Join EHQ’s high-impact coaching training to learn how to attract clients, position your offers, and increase your income with more predictability.

Get the coaching and strategy here.

Because the next wave of stats? Should include you.