North Carolina ranks No. 3 for growth in women entrepreneurship

In North Carolina, women own 267,800 firms and employ 268,300 people, according to a new report from American Express OPEN, which ranks the state third in the growth of women-owned firms over the last 17 years.

The number of women-owned businesses has increased 68 percent since 1997, the report says, while women-owned businesses in 2007 generated $32 million in sales, a figure that grew to $35.9 million in 2014.

The report shows an estimated 1,288 women start new businesses every day, which is double the rate from three years ago. There are more than 9.1 million women-owned businesses in the United States, compared to 8.6 million in 2013. These businesses generate more than $1.4 trillion in revenues, employ 7.9 million people and account for 30 percent of all enterprises.

"The report clearly shows that women are choosing the path of entrepreneurship at record rates," said Randi Schochet^[1], vice president of brand strategy and activation, American Express OPEN. "Imagine the economic impact if more of these new ventures were transformed into thriving businesses. This is why American Express OPEN remains so passionately dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs become successful business owners."

The Triad Business Journal has two events coming up for local business women. The first, Bizwomen Mentoring Monday, will be held April 7^[2] will allow women one-on-one coaching sessions for five minutes with female mentors.

The second event, on April 25, is our 15th annual Women in Business Expo and Awards^[3], which celebrates the outstanding contributions of the Triad's^[4] leading businesswomen. Hurry and register for both before space runs out.

References

1. ^{^} Randi Schochet (feeds.bizjournals.com)
2. ^{^} will be held April 7 (www.bizjournals.com)
3. ^{^} 15th annual Women in Business Expo and Awards (www.bizjournals.com)
4. ^{^} Triad's (www.bizjournals.com)