Women entrepreneurs prioritize autonomy during Small Business Month

In observance of National Women’s Small Business Month, data highlights a shifting landscape for female entrepreneurs in the United States. Women currently own 15.7 million businesses, accounting for 40.6% of all firms, with growth rates nearly double those of men-owned businesses.

Recent trends indicate that women business owners increasingly prioritize flexibility and autonomy over pure revenue growth. Approximately 75% of women who launched businesses in 2024 expressed a desire to set their own schedules, while 62% sought to be their own bosses.

Financial experts suggest that true financial independence for these owners involves building personal liquidity buffers—such as diversified investment portfolios and retirement accounts—to ensure business decisions are made from a position of strength rather than necessity. Despite their growing numbers, a 2025 NerdWallet survey found that only 23% of women entrepreneurs feel financially successful.