Women in Business

Women in business is a trend which is gaining ground is today’s marketplace, and over the past twenty years, women have out-scored men in startups by 150%. Women now comprise 47% of the total U.S. labor force and are projected to account for 51% of the increase in total labor force growth between 2008 and 2018.

This trend is positive, not only for our economy, but also for narrowing the gender gap where it comes to equity in jobs and earning potential.

With any startup, whether founded by either gender, there will always be the need for capital and credit. The recognition of this fact has prompted many programs to incentivize women entrepreneurs.

The Women’s Business Development Council won approval from the United States Treasury for a fund intended to support female-owned business and women entrepreneurs.

This is a good step in the right direction, considering the past of male-dominated business and the gender bias we’ve experienced, and still do experience.

The Kaufmann Foundation did a study where women didn’t even recognize themselves as entrepreneurs, but rather “small business owners” which, as they concluded, is not just a vocabulary or semantics issue, but reflective of a much deeper gender bias.

For women in business, whether you consider yourself a small business owner, or an entrepreneur, until you’re the owner of a giant empire, like Oprah Winfrey, here are some things that could help you along the way and hopefully gain access to some needed financial support:

• Financial literacy: Learn to speak the language. Understand the bankers’ and investors’ way of thinking and operating.
• Explore the options being offered by programs and investment funds which benefit women entrepreneurs.
• Find banks and investment firms with women in high level, decision-making positions. It’s logical to assume that they will be more likely to invest in a women-owned business.
• Find a good investment advisor with a sensible middle-ground approach.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be used in connection with the evaluation of any investments offered by David Lerner Associates, Inc. This material does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered in connection with the purchase or sale of securities.

To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law.

Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.

These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable– we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

David Lerner Associates does not provide tax or legal advice. The information presented here is not specific to any individual's personal circumstances. Member FINRA & SIPC