Women-Owned Businesses Analyses of Growth Influences and Access to Capital

Like all entrepreneurs, women business owners face many challenges in making their entrepreneurship dreams a reality. Some of the challenges faced by women may be specific to women, due to the historical and cultural context within which they do their work. The National Women's Business Council (NWBC), initiated this research to better understand the reasons behind the general lag of women-owned business growth, as compared to firms owned by men. The NWBC looked to the research to provide insights on key considerations when reaching out to women entrepreneurs to encourage maximum growth of their businesses. The research centered on questions about three key attitudinal areas associated with business ownership and growth: risk tolerance, motivations, and expectations. The research team also listened for instances where culture could be influencing behaviors or experiences. This book provides an overview on issues and factors affecting access to capital for women-owned firms with a particular focus on growth-oriented firms. Differences between men and women business owners regarding firm growth, amount and sources of financial capital, and the relationship between the two are also explored.