Where in the World Are Women Most Likely to Found a Business?

According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking 2015, the number of female entrepreneurs is now significantly higher than in previous years.

Even so, it is much lower than the number of men starting new businesses. In 2012, approximately 12 percent of global startups had a female founder and this increased to 18 percent in the 2015.

Which global city grabs the top spot for women starting a business?  I am proud to say it's my home town:  Chicago!

Read more:  The World's Top Cities For Female Entrepreneurs

Note:  For women business owners who want to finance their international business activities, you might want to register for a webinar on 2/3 at 10:00 a.m. Central.

In 2015, Women Entrepreneurs Own 30 Percent of all Enterprises in USA

According to the 2015 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, commissioned by American Express OPEN:

Women entrepreneurs now own 30% of all enterprises in the United States. As of 2015, there are slightly more than 9.4 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., yet, these account for only 4.23% of business revenues, which is roughly the same amount they contributed in 1997. In addition, 70% of women-owned firms have less than $25,000 in revenue and only 10% have paid employees.

These women need business-friendly loans and services and the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a leading advocate for women on economic and leadership issues, is on a mission to find the right credit union to serve its more than 500,000 members’ needs.

Learn more:  Credit Union Partner Sough for Women's Chamber of Commerce

Canadian Women Entrepreneurs: Power Your Business

Cisco Canada has launched the Cisco Women Entrepreneurs’ Circle to empower women leading small and medium businesses in Canada by providing the resources, training, and IT solutions they need in order to build capacity and accelerate growth.

1. Cisco Canada Women Entrepreneuers' Academy.
2. Cisco Entrepreneur Xperience solution.
3. Cisco Circle of Innovation -- an internship program managed by Cisco to help women entrepreneurs build a digital strategy and expand their company's reach in the marketplace.

Go here to learn more.

Macy's Gives Women Entrepreneurs a Leg Up in the Retail Industry

Department store Macy's is offering The Workshop, a program that lasts for a period of four days in which candidates will learn and be tested on everything from retail math to the art of the pitch, while learning how to build and execute an effective business strategy.

The four-day workshop begins by teaching candidates the basics—the fundamental building blocks of growing and maintaining a successful business and developing relationships and partnerships with large retailers such as Macy's.

Could you be the next female retail rock star?  Apply and find out.  Note:  The program is completely free; you need only apply. Applications are due by 11:58 p.m. EST on January 31, 2016.

Learn more:   Macy's Exclusive Workshop Gives Entrepreneurs the Secrets to Success 

• About The Workshop.
• Apply to The Workshop.

Take Your Business Global in 2016

For those eager to start out the new year with a global footprint, join me [Laurel] on a webinar I am giving Wednesday, January 6th at 11:00 a.m. Central (FREE) on Getting Started in Exporting -- Ready Your Business For Growth:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6551786751409319169

Here's a sampling of what you will learn:

• What you need to do to get your business export ready
• How to craft a back-of-the napkin export business plan
• How to create a social media and networking presence
• How to market your business worldwide

See you there on Wednesday, January 6th at 11:00 a.m. Central! Let's get ready to take our businesses to the next level through exports.

Are You a Wantrepreneur?

Are you thinking about starting your own business in 2016?  Then you are considered a wantrepreneur.  Here are some thoughts by Prosper Women Entrepreneurs from turning your entrepreneurial thoughts into action.  Get going!

Dear Prosper Women Entrepreneurs:  "Help!  I'm a wantrepreneur!"

Happy 2016!  Make it yours.  Make it great!