Women started 49% of new businesses in the US in 2021, up from 28% in 2019, according to a new study. Women entrepreneurship is also growing around the world, but obstacles remain and men still outnumber women 3-1 when it comes to business ownership, say experts. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2022 shows more women than men continue to be impacted by the pandemic.
Encouraging more women to set up their own businesses could help increase global economic development. But obstacles remain that can prevent female entrepreneurs from starting and running their own businesses. Recent research identified six global trends among women entrepreneurs that could indicate the best ways to boost female-led business start-ups.
Gender parity in entrepreneurship is not just a moral imperative but a crucial driver of economic growth and innovation. Here are 5 strategies to advance female entrepreneurs, from access to finance to challenging cultural biases.
Women made up 47% of US entrepreneurs starting businesses in 2022, compared with 29% prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study found. The report also found that minorities are often left out of capital investments. Such topics will be discussed at the World Economic Forum’s Growth Summit: Jobs and Opportunity for All, which is taking place 2-3 May.
Women-founded startups accounted for 2% or less of venture capital (VC) funding invested in Europe and the United States in 2023, Pitchbook data finds. But by VC deal numbers, women are making gains over the longer term. Innovators worldwide are helping to train, empower and inspire women through the World Economic Forum platform, UpLink.
Women drive economic growth in low- and middle-income countries but face systemic barriers, especially digital exclusion. Closing the digital divide for women entrepreneurs is both a moral imperative and a $5 trillion economic opportunity. Policy action and investment is needed to advance gender equality and unlock inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The women entrepreneurs we work with through CARE’s programmes are not willing to wait. They want to grow their businesses and they have the skills and confidence to do it. Our recipe for building a supportive ecosystem – one that values the contributions of women – works with local partners to design policies, products and programmes.
Governments and policymakers can support women entrepreneurs and female led startups in Africa through targeted policies like gender-responsive budgeting.
The World Economic Forum's gender accelerators are enhancing opportunities for women entrepreneurs to aid poverty reduction, economic resilience and inclusive growth.
