Women Are Powering America’s Entrepreneurial Boom

As we celebrate Women’s History Month each March, it’s important to recognize that today’s surge in women‑owned businesses is part of a much larger story — one defined by generations of women who pushed boundaries, built economic opportunity, and reshaped entire industries. This month reminds us that entrepreneurship is not just a business endeavor, but a continuation of women’s long‑standing leadership in strengthening families and communities. By honoring the trailblazers who came before and supporting the innovators of today, we help ensure the next era of women’s history is filled with even greater progress, resilience, and possibility.

Women now own 39.2% of all businesses in the United States — a remarkable figure that¹ reflects years of momentum and resilience.

Growth has accelerated sharply post‑pandemic:

The surge is driven by factors like the desire for independence, flexibility, and creating community impact — with many women launching service‑based businesses that strengthen local economies and families.

Despite this growth, women entrepreneurs still face meaningful challenges:

• Women‑owned businesses account for only 6.2% of total revenues nationally.¹
• Women are less likely to receive full business loan amounts (24% vs. 41% of men).³
• Women are more likely to use personal loans or financing from family and friends to start their business⁴ and fewer women secure SBA loans or private equity, which increases their personal financial exposure compared to men.

This combination — rapid growth mixed with financial vulnerability — makes protection planning not just helpful, but critical.

Why Protection Planning Matters for Women Entrepreneurs

Running a business means wearing every hat — creator, strategist, HR, operations, and CFO. Protection planning ensures that if something unexpected happens, the business owner, employees, family, and customers are shielded.

1. Protecting Personal and Business Income

With women entrepreneurs often self‑funding their startups, income protection is foundational.

Life insurance can help:

• Replace income for dependents
• Cover outstanding business loans
• Provide liquidity to keep operations moving during transition. Learn more about Business Owner Solutions

2. Ensuring Business Continuity

Many women‑owned businesses rely heavily on the expertise, reputation, and leadership of the owner. Without a continuity plan, a thriving company can unravel overnight.

Protection strategies can include:

• Key person insurance
• Buy‑sell agreements funded by life insurance
• Succession planning

3. Building Long‑Term Financial Security Through Annuities

As women statistically live longer and face more income interruptions, retirement planning is especially important.

Annuities can help:

• Create guaranteed future income
• Offset longevity risk
• Provide tax‑advantaged growth

4. Protecting Family and Legacy

Women entrepreneurs may support their families financially, reinvest in their communities, and lead mission‑driven businesses.

Life insurance can help:

• Provide legacy gifts
• Ensure loved ones inherit a stable business
• Support charitable or community causes

The Bottom Line:
Women Are Building the Future. Protection Planning Helps Protect It.

The growth of women‑owned businesses is reshaping the American economy. Ensuring these businesses stay protected allows women to build not just businesses, but legacies.