Observations From India: Functions of a Woman Entrepreneur

BIG news :-)!  Women entrepreneurs are not different from the concept of entrepreneur, all the concept characteristics and functions are applicable to women entrepreneurs. 

The role of women in family and society is changing very fast – thank goodness. The days when women were typically expected to look after household activities have changed in various social aspects like equal treatment to women, no discrimination between males and females allowing for equal opportunities to work in any field.  Slowly these changes have empowered woman to become more competitive and also encouraged her to start a business.

The article was written in 2017.  It also includes some traits of women entrepreneurs (additional articles).  Different perspective due to India origin.  Very academic.  

Faith-Filled Women Business Owners

According to the Minority Christian Women Entrepreneurs Network (MCWEN), women of color account for 47 percent of all women-owned businesses — around 5.8 million in total — employing over 2.2 million people and generating $386.6 billion in revenue.

More and more, entrepreneurs are stepping into the business world, driven not just by a passion for their products and services but also by a deep sense of faith. These “faith-filled” business owners see their work as a means to serve their communities, live out their beliefs and build a legacy for their families.

Learn about a few here.

Women Entrepreneurs Hit a Funding Wall

When Oriana Papin-Zoghbi was looking for venture capital funding to develop a new type of test for ovarian cancer, she found her pitch did best with women investors. “They were able to resonate with the problem we are trying to solve,” she said.

Avestria Ventures, a fund focused on women-founded start-ups, led an early investment of $5 million in Ms. Papin-Zoghbi’s company, AOA Dx. And two years later, Good Growth Capital, a firm founded by women, led an additional $17 million investment.

Raising the next round of funds is expected to be difficult.  It's not the first time that women entrepreneurs hit a funding wall.

Read the entire article at The New York Times (might require subscription).

Grants for American Women Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

GrantWatch is celebrating American women entrepreneurs! 

Women in leadership bring unique strengths to the table like fostering collaboration and driving innovation. Decades of research show that when women lead, businesses are profitable and teams are collaborative. 

They inspire greater fairness and dedication and create environments where everyone can thrive. Despite the obstacles they face, women continue to break barriers and rise in leadership roles across politics, education, and corporate sectors.

Here is a listing of currently available GrantWatch Women and Small Business grants.

Women Redefine the Entrepreneurial Sphere

Over the past few decades, we have witnessed a remarkable surge in the presence and influence of women entrepreneurs. Women have been redefining the entrepreneurial sphere, breaking through barriers, shattering stereotypes and making significant strides in various industries and sectors worldwide.

With the changing times and increasing awareness, the 21st century has become an era of empowerment for women, fostering an environment that encourages and supports their entrepreneurial aspirations. 

Discover how women-led businesses have emerged as a powerful force, contributing significantly to economic growth and societal progress.

UC Berkeley Is a Powerhouse for Entrepreneurs Interested In Building Things, Especially For Women

Won't this surprise you!  UC Berkeley graduates have founded more venture-backed companies than undergraduate alumni from any other university in the world, according to the 2024 PitchBook university rankings. 

Venture capital is paying attention to Berkeley-generated companies. And they claim they are just getting started.

Big note:  Berkeley was ranked first for female graduates who started businesses, first for female-founded companies and first for the amount of capital raised by women. 

“That UC Berkeley is No. 1 globally across five major categories, including three for female founders, shows how Berkeley continues to light the way, and we do so inclusively,” [Laura] Hassner [executive director of UC Berkeley Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Berkeley Changemaker] said.

Black Women Entrepreneurs Make Significant Contributions to the Economy

According to the Wells Fargo 2024 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report, between 2019 and 2023, Black/African American women-owned businesses saw average revenues increase 32.7%, compared to 12.1% for all women-owned businesses. 

In spite of this impressive growth, systemic disparities in funding and mentorship opportunities persist. Fortunately, new programs are addressing these gaps.

Read on to learn how black women entrepreneurs make significant contributions to the economy.