Women entrepreneurs are driving America’s economy forward, but turning today’s momentum into tomorrow’s growth means addressing what stands in the way.
Jen Earle
CEO, National Association of Women Business Owners
There has never been a more exciting time to be a woman entrepreneur, or a more important time to make sure women have what they need to thrive.
Today, women own 15.7 million U.S. businesses, representing 40.6% of all businesses, according to the 2026 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report. Together, they employ 12.6 million people and generate $2.8 trillion in annual revenue. Between 2022 and 2025, women-owned businesses grew 12.1%, nearly twice the 6.3% growth rate of men-owned businesses.
Most women are doing it alone or with very small teams. In NAWBO’s 2026 survey, 44% of respondents identified as sole proprietors, while 87% had fewer than 10 employees. Their top concerns and priorities include AI, taxes, and access to capital.
Make AI your business advantage
For a solopreneur, time may be the scarcest resource of all. That’s why AI holds so much potential.
More than half of the women business owners we surveyed are already using AI, and when asked what would help them grow, their No. 1 request was training with AI tools.
The opportunity isn’t to have AI run your business. It’s to use it thoughtfully to give you more capacity to run your business. Start with one repetitive, time-consuming task. Learn where AI can save you time, but keep human judgment in the driver’s seat.
Get ready before you need capital
Access to capital remains one of women’s top business concerns. However, capital isn’t only about surviving a difficult month. The right capital at the right time can help you invest in technology, pursue a large contract, or make the transition from solopreneur to employer.
Get financially ready before opportunity knocks. Know your numbers, separate business and personal finances, build business credit, and understand your financing options. Think of capital as a growth tool, not just an emergency resource.
Make tax planning year-round
Taxes ranked as the No. 1 concern and priority among women business owners in our latest survey, particularly understanding tax credits and simplifying taxes.
For independent entrepreneurs, tax planning shouldn’t happen just once a year. Set aside money for tax obligations, maintain clean records, and talk with a qualified tax professional about deductions, credits, and business structure.
The goal isn’t simply to prepare a return; it’s to understand how today’s financial decisions can support tomorrow’s growth.
Growth that reaches beyond one business
These challenges matter because the impact extends far beyond any individual entrepreneur. When a woman grows her business, she purchases products and services, supports other businesses, builds wealth for her family, and may eventually create jobs.
Women entrepreneurs have tremendous momentum and potential. If we can help more of them embrace new technology, access capital to grow, and make smarter financial decisions, we’re not simply strengthening individual businesses; we’re creating economic opportunity, strengthening communities, and building a stronger American economy.
