Women-Owned Businesses in the U.S.
In recent years, the narrative around women in entrepreneurship has shifted from one of underrepresentation toward one of rising momentum and urgency. Women now own more than 12 million businesses in the United States, collectively employing over 10.7 million workers—a testament to both their influence and growing economic footprint. Yet, the journey to this point has been anything but smooth. Female founders have long contended with societal biases that label ambition as unbecoming, systemic obstacles to capital access, and an often under-told track record of resilience.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) plays a pivotal role in helping to level the playing field. Its Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO)—founded in response to an executive order in 1979—provides advocacy, training, and support to women entrepreneurs through a national network of Women’s Business Centers (WBCs). Over the years, OWBO has helped thousands of women access capital, sharpen their business skills, and secure federal contracting opportunities, serving as a cornerstone of federal support for women‑owned firms.
Supporting Women-Owned Businesses
Despite these advances, gaps remain—women still run only about 20 percent of all employer firms in the U.S.—but the trajectory is unmistakably upward. In 2021 alone, SBA support reached more than 88,000 women‑led enterprises and supported over 86,000 jobs. These milestones underscore a critical truth—women‑owned businesses are not just a niche. These businesses are central drivers of inclusive growth, community resilience, and national economic strength. In order to ensure that these businesses keep thriving, they need to be directed to resources and programming that will help them continue to elevate their impact on the communities they serve.
- The Ohio Women Business Enterprise (WBE) program is a state‑level certification and assistance initiative under Ohio’s Department of Development. Businesses that have been owned and controlled by women for at least one year, and meet the state’s ownership and control criteria, may apply for certification as a women‑owned enterprise. Once certified, these businesses gain access to state contracting opportunities, greater visibility in public agency vendor lists, and a publicly available directory of certified firms. The program also includes outreach efforts to educate potential participants and a mechanism for appeal or complaint resolution.
- The Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) offers a comprehensive Resource Hub tailored to entrepreneurs in the Northeast Ohio region. Through that hub, women business owners can access guidance on certifications via links to the Ohio Department of Development, as well as connections to technical assistance centers, capital resources, mentoring networks, and local funding or grant opportunities. COSE functions as a navigator and connector—helping female entrepreneurs in its region find the right programs, build networks, and tap into local resources that might otherwise be hard to locate.
- Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women initiative is a global program that empowers female entrepreneurs through business education, mentorship and networking, and increased access to capital. The program offers a free curriculum of business courses delivered in multiple languages and formats, along with a global alumni network. One of its most consequential contributions is the Women Entrepreneurs Opportunity Facility (WEOF)—a finance facility launched with the IFC to mobilize billions in capital for women-led small and medium enterprises in emerging markets. 10,000 Women bridges two crucial gaps—knowledge and funding.
Work with Growth Capital
If you’re a woman business owner looking for expert support, funding opportunities, or help accessing certification programs, Growth Capital is here to help. With decades of experience in small business lending and a commitment to empowering diverse entrepreneurs, our team can guide you toward the resources and capital you need to thrive. Contact us today to learn how we can help you reach your business goals!