New research from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) found that if female entrepreneurs received as much support as male entrepreneurs, the global economy could experience up to a $5 trillion boost.
It is well-documented that women-led businesses are underfunded, with data revealing that in 2017 only 2.2% of venture capital (VC) funding going to women-led companies. Women received only $1.9 billion in funding compared to the $83.1 billion that men received. In addition, research found that only 2% of female-led businesses earn $1 million or more in revenue. Research has also determined that women-led businesses experience more positive outcomes and even outperform their peers. Given all the potential benefits that accompany female-led businesses, it’s imperative to uncover impediments to their growth. What are the causes of these barriers and how can they be overcome so that women-led businesses experience more support and success, thus stimulating the global economy?
By: Janice Gassam
Source: Forbes
At a recent training I was facilitating, I invited people to ask me anything anonymously using polling technology. While the questions always give me great insight into where people are struggling with issues of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), this question seemed more universal: “What do I do if my manager is not inclusive?”
Our society’s tendency to look to men for expertise is one of the things that holds women back in our careers. But we can all help give women’s knowledge and accomplishments greater visibility, which will cause people of all genders to view women as experts and turn to women for expertise more.
Right now, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under growing scrutiny. Some companies are pulling back from DEI initiatives amid nervousness around shareholder activism and possible investor or customer pushback. Highlighting the benefits of DEI to an organization’s performance and the wellbeing of employees is the best way to address this negativity.