This story appears in the
August 1998 issue of
Entrepreneur.
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Inquiring minds want to know--why are so many women starting
their own businesses?
It's probably not for the reason you think. A new study
reveals an unexpected motivation, as glass-ceiling issues no longer
take center stage. It seems women today--like so many men in the
past--are simply inspired by the idea of entrepreneurship.
These and other entrepreneurial motivations are highlighted in
Paths to Entrepreneurship, a study by three women's
organizations: the National Foundation for Women Business Owners
(NFWBO), Catalyst, and The Committee of 200. Conducted last year,
the study polled a random sample of 800 male and female business
owners nationwide.
The findings indicate that when it comes to launching their own
businesses, most women are lured by an entrepreneurial idea (35
percent). Surprisingly, only 22 percent of respondents cited the
glass-ceiling issue.
Fifty-eight percent of women with private-sector experience
insisted that the corporate world could never lure them back from
their entrepreneurial ventures. "Women feel they can do for
themselves better than what they were doing for their
employers," says Mary Mattis of Catalyst. "[They know]
they can work smarter."
Quick Picks
Make your company the talk of the town.
- Publicity seekers: The Business Media Registry links
journalists with entrepreneurs who have stories to tell. For $75,
you can get listed in the referral database, receive tips for
giving better interviews and more. Call the American Business
Women's Association at (816) 361-6621.
- Winner's circle: Coffee company Melitta North
America Inc. in Clearwater, Florida, is looking for this year's
Melitta Bentz Woman of Innovation and Invention Award winner. The
$5,000 grand prize will be presented in October. Call
(813) 524-4803 for an application, due August 31.
Contact Sources
Catalyst, (212) 514-7600, http://www.catalystwomen.org
National Foundation for Women Business Owners, (301)
495-4975, http://www.nfwbo.org