Inspiring Facts about Female Entrepreneurship:
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Women-owned businesses (WOB) have grown 114% versus the overall national growth rate of 44% for all businesses over the past two decades (1997-2017). (Source: The State of Women-Owned Businesses, 2017, Commissioned by American Express)
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Women owned approximately 20% of all employer businesses nationwide in 2015. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s 2016 Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs)
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Women-owned employer businesses increased to 1.12 million in 2016 (approximately 2.8% increase from 2015). (Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s 2016 Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs)
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Women of color business owners accounted for 46% of all WOB and 25.9% of W-O employer firms. (Source: The State of Women-Owned Businesses, 2017, Commissioned by American Express).
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Women’s early-stage entrepreneurship has increased by increased by 15.4% from the 2016 rate and 29.1% from the 2007 rate. (Source: Kauffman Indicators of Entrepreneurship: Early-Stage Entrepreneurship in the United States, 2017)
As we celebrate the achievements of women businesses owners, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the trailblazing female entrepreneurs, business owners and advocates who contributed to the passing of the Women’s Business Ownership Act.
Witness first-hand the impact of women business owners and meet Washington Women’s Business Center Program Director, Susan Perreault at Celebrating Dreams on May 30th!
About the author
Susan Perreault
Susan, Senior Vice President of Programs, has been with Business Impact NW for over 7 years. Susan supports the Executive Vice President to implement strategic goals, oversee program assessments, and support financial reporting. Susan also identifies staffing needs, manages onboarding, and ensures program alignment with organizational objectives. Susan supervises the Alaska, Washington, and Idaho Women’s Business Centers, the Capital Readiness Program, the Technical Assistance Administrative Team, and ongoing program management. Holding a Doctorate in Business Administration, Susan brings deep expertise in program leadership and small business advocacy. She also collaborates with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Opportunity and SBA District Offices across Alaska, Idaho, and Washington, championing entrepreneurs throughout the Pacific Northwest.