Against All Odds: The Entrepreneurship of Women

Since women-owned businesses are the fastest growing segment of the small business population, a literature review was conducted to determine the characteristics of women entrepreneurs and how these characteristics compare with those of men entrepreneurs. Results indicated that women appear to have different educational and work backgrounds than men. In addition, women are less likely to have the full support of a marriage partner. Women also must assume the role of mother and family/household care-giver, which limits the time and energy that they have to give to their enterprise. Despite the lower level of support for their business ideas and development plans, women appear to have high survival rates. Although some differences in entrepreneurial experience have been found, these differences may not be sex-based.