Despite making significant strides in business, women entrepreneurs still face challenges when it comes to securing funding. Studies have shown that women-owned businesses receive disproportionately less funding compared to their male counterparts. According to the Small Business Credit Survey, women are more likely to use personal money or ask friends and family for cash to finance their companies, while men are more successful in obtaining funding from financial institutions and lenders. The survey also found that an equal percentage of male and female business owners obtained funding through loans, lines of credit, or merchant cash advances.
Women entrepreneurs most often seek funding through business lines of credit, bank loans, SBA loans, merchant cash advances, and home equity lines of credit. They often need funding to meet operating expenses, expand their businesses, reduce debt payments, or replace assets. A significant portion of credit applications from women are declined, which can be attributed to factors such as gender bias at financial institutions and lower credit scores due to shorter business histories.
Advancements in small business finance, such as the increased use of AI, are helping to make access to capital more equitable. Lenders can now take a deeper look into a company’s cash flow and sales transactions to make better risk assessments. Women entrepreneurs can take steps to improve their access to capital, such as diversifying funding sources by applying for grants and venture capital funds that prioritize investments in women-led ventures. Networking and joining women’s advocacy groups can also provide opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and access to potential investors.
By implementing these strategies, women business owners can work towards leveling the playing field in gaining access to capital. Empowering women entrepreneurs with access to capital not only promotes economic fairness but also drives innovation, economic growth, and creates a more inclusive and prosperous society. Organizations such as the Association of Women’s Business Centers and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council provide support and resources for women entrepreneurs to help them succeed in the business world.
