Post by Dr. Marsha Firestone, contributing Women On Business writer

Each year at the WPO/WPEO office, we order the new update of the “Key Facts about Women-Owned Businesses” booklet from the Center for Women’s Business Research.  The information is not only useful in keeping us updated on the progress that women in business make each year, but is also a way to track the achievements of businesswomen even in tough economic times.   I like to share it with our WBEs to encourage them to think about the positives, and to focus on moving forward and growing their businesses.  The following are some inspiring statistics about women in business from the Center for Women’s Business Research. 

There are 10.1 million firms that are 50% or more owned by women.  This is down from 10.4 million in 2007, but considering the economic downturn, this number is still very impressive.  These businesses are employing 13 million people, up from 12.8 million in 2007, and are generating $1.9 trillion in sales as of 2008.  This means women in business are surviving and thriving through the turbulence caused by the economy.  Click to keep reading...