Looking up business demographics in Washington State...trust me, I am not doing this because I think it's fun. I was curious though. In our state, there are 644K small businesses (the government identifies those with less than 500 employees as small business) Of those, 97% have less than 20 employees. 75% have NO employees. When you add other demographics, the breakdown looks like this... nearly 87% of all women owned businesses (247K) have NO employees. These numbers actually surprised me. How about you? What is your reaction to these statistics? #WomenBusinessOwners #SmallBusiness #OpportunitiesEverywhere sources: 2020 Census, Statistics of US Business, Annual Business Survey 2019
I have found similar statistics. I just started a group called Empowering Women to Lead. We meet in person in Renton to encourage women who feel like they are all alone
As s woman-owned 0 employee solopreneur company in WA state, I feel like I am in the company of a bunch of brave, kickass women who will be growing their businesses to potentially include employees in the next 5 years… and will turn right around and extend a hand to the next wave of solopreneur women coming behind them, creating vibrant community and support.
Unfortunately, not surprised. Thats consistent with other lists and stats I’ve seen.
As a small business owner with around 30 PT employees my first thought is the mental load women, especially mothers, tend to carry in day to day life. Adding employees to that load is a lot to consider. I remember taking my time weighing the pros and cons when I made the decision over 10 years ago.
Not surprising.
wow I am surprised!
Those are interesting and disheartening stats at the same time Tracey. I wonder how other states compare? I see sometimes the associated costs and regulations in some states deter business owners, while the uncertainty of how to tackle hiring and leading, and all the other things of being a business owner can be daunting. Add in all the hats that women hold in their personal lives, it’s a mountain.
Business Owner | Bookkeeper making sense of finances for small business owners and entrepreneurs | Problem Solver | Senior Finance Specialist in public education | QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor
1moI am not surprised. I work primarily with women-owned service providers and only two have employees. I would like to see research on why. Why do women tend to go it alone, even when they have the revenue to support a small support staff? Is it because we are stuck in the "if I want it done right I have to do it myself" mindset or fear of letting people down if we bring in employees and the business takes a turn?