Thirty years ago a woman’s place in the business world was limited to low paying support roles. Today one third of all businesses are owned and operated by women. We salute women in business, and the pioneers who helped open doors for today’s female entrepreneurs.

 Nearly 8 million businesses in the United States (one of every 3 firms) are now owned and are operated by women, and this number is growing at a phenomenal rate. In fact, estimates are such that women-owned firms in the U.S. now provide jobs for 18.5 million people and generate sales of nearly $2.38 trillion annually.

 According to recent studies conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Foundation for Women Business Owners, this trend is only expected to increase. Below are several findings from these studies.

 · Between 1987 and 1996, the number of women-owned firms has grown 78 percent.

 · Employment by women-owned firms has increased by more than 100 percent from 1987-1992, compared to an increase of 38 percent in employment by all firms. For women-owned companies with 100 or more workers, employment has increased by 158 percent - more than double the rate for all U.S. firms of similar size. Women entrepreneurs are taking their firms into the global marketplace at the same rate as all U.S. business owners.

 · The top growth industries for women-owned businesses between 1987 and 1996 were construction, wholesale trade, transportation, agribusiness and manufacturing.

 · Women-owned businesses stand the test of time. Nearly all women-owned firms in business in 1991 were still in business 3 years later, compared to 2/3 of all U.S. firms.

 · The largest share of women-owned businesses continues to be in the service sector. More than half (52 percent) of women-owned firms are in services; 19 percent are in retail trade and 10 percent are in finance, insurance and real estate.

 · Employment growth in women-owned businesses exceeds the national average in nearly every region of the country and in nearly every major industry.

 For an indepth review of business women throughout history, plesae visit the Enterprising Women Exhibit

 About the Author:  Monique Danielle owns Portland Marketing Agency,  DivaDesignWorld.com, a full service firm that offers web development, graphic design, consulting, and a wide variety of creative services.  She is also the founder of divadirectories.com,a free online resource designed to promote the growth and development of female business owners throughout Oregon, Washington, and the Northwest.