Sep 12th, 2007
Women Owned Firms Generate $1.9 Trillion In Sales
According to the latest data from the Center for Women’s Business Research, women-owned firms employ nearly 13 million people and generate $1.9 trillion in sales.
Analyzing data provided by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the Center projects the following statistical portrait of privately-held women-owned businesses.
50% or More Women-Owned Businesses, 2006
As of 2006, the Center projects that as of 2006, there are an estimated 10.4 million privately-held, 50% or more women-owned firms in the U.S., accounting for two in five (40.2%) of all businesses in the country. These firms generate $1.9 trillion in annual sales and employ 12.8 million people nationwide.
Majority (51% or more) Women-Owned Businesses, 2006
As of 2006, there are an estimated 7.7 million 51% or more women-owned firms, accounting for 29.7% of all businesses in the U.S. Majority (51% or more) women-owned firms in the U.S. generate $1.1 trillion in annual sales and employ 7.2 million people nationwide.
Between 1997 and 2006, the percent growth in the number of 51% or more women-owned firms was nearly twice that of all U.S. firms (42.3% vs. 23.3%). Employment among 51% or more women-owned firms grew 0.4%, and annual sales grew 4.4%.
Industry Breakdown
The largest share of 51% or more women-owned firms is in the service sector. More than two-thirds (69.0%) of these firms (5.3 million) are in services; 14.4% (1.1 million) are in retail trade; and 7.7% (0.6 million) are in real estate, rental, and leasing.
From 1997 to 2006, the greatest growth among 51% or more women-owned firms has been in: