Hi everyone, while researching on women entrepreneurship for our class, I came across this interesting research paper written by a graduate student on the topic of female entrepreneurship. Since female entrepreneurship is the fastest growing segment in the United States economy, this paper explore the factors that encourage or discourage women in entrepreneurship. Women had to shatter the glass ceiling and jump hurdles in order to overcome much obstacles. If any woman want to realize their own dream, this is a very helpful study and really worth reading. Enjoy !
I agree that the highest number of women-owned business is in the USA. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women-owned firms accounted for 28.7 percent of all businesses in the United States in the end of 2007, and that number is growing from year to year. The main reasons leading to female entrepreneurship mentioned in the article are frustration with glass-ceiling and flexibility in work/home schedule. However, I would add one more, freedom (freedom from being stereotyped and freedom in decision making) that pushes and forces women to start their own businesses and encourage them to overcome any obstacles.
I agree with Larisa. I think that some of the main reasons that contribute to women starting their own businesses, aside from a passion for their venture whatever it may be, are the desire to be their own bosses without having to work their way up the corporate ladder as well as the desire for freedom. A very big reason for the existence of the glass ceiling is because of many women’s desire to have a family. In the corporate world however time is money and time taken off to have a baby is frowned upon and makes you look like a liability. I think many women who do go into their own business don’t want to have to worry about being looked down on or seen as not taking their work seriously for going on maternity leave or taking off to take care of their child.