High Growth in Women Entrepreneurs

Ray Keating

A new report from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy – “Dynamics of Women-Operated Sole Proprietorships, 1990-1998” – shows a significant increase in the number of women entrepreneurs. For example:

* The number of women-operated sole proprietorships increased by 27% between 1990 and 1998 – rising from 5.6 million to 7.1 million. This compared to a 16.9% increase in the total number of sole proprietorships.

* Women-operated sole proprietorships increased as a percentage of total sole proprietorships, from 33.5% in 1990 to 36.8% in 1998.

* Receipts for women-owned sole proprietorships increased by 48.5%, compared to a 25.7% increase for all sole proprietorships.

* As a share of total sole proprietorship receipts, women’s share increased from 15.2% to 18% over this period.

* Net income for women-operated sole proprietorships jumped by 83.2% between 1990 and 1998, versus an increase of 43.1% for all sole proprietorships.

* As a share of sole proprietorship net income, women’s share rose from 16.9% to 21.5%.

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