This research examines differences in wealth, business experience, professional networks, and access to capital that affect the ability of different entrepreneur groups to start and expand their businesses. By analyzing race, ethnicity, business size, and geographic region among women-owned businesses in the post-pandemic periods of 2022–2025 and 2024–2025, the study offers insights to inform practical policies, programs, and funding decisions. The report focuses on the post-pandemic recovery and the outlook for 2025 as a whole.

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Efforts to close the gap in women’s entrepreneurship continue, as they are critically important to economic growth and job creation. The report serves as a practical tool for entrepreneurial support organizations and advisors, policymakers, funders, educators, researchers, media professionals—and, of course, the women entrepreneurs themselves. Through this data-driven analysis, stakeholders can better understand where challenges persist and identify solutions tailored to their specific business needs. These actions can help build an environment that enables more U.S. women to grow successful businesses and contribute to broader economic progress.