Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs

Black women own 15% of U.S. Microbusinesses, elevating them to the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, according to the Venture Forward U.S. Report. This signals an impactful change in the nation’s microbusiness sector.

Since August 2019, the number of Black women entrepreneurs has more than doubled, constituting a notable 10% of the total entrepreneurs surveyed. This surge is underscored by a remarkable 70% increase in the establishment of Black women-owned businesses before the onset of the pandemic.

Black women entrepreneurs in the United States encounter a multitude of obstacles as they navigate the challenging terrain of business ownership. Systemic racism and gender bias intersect to create unique barriers, often hindering access to crucial resources such as funding and mentorship. The well-documented racial wealth gap compounds these challenges, limiting the financial foundation available for startup ventures.

Discrimination in lending practices and unequal access to capital further exacerbate the uphill battle for Black women entrepreneurs. The lack of representation in corporate leadership and networks can isolate them from vital opportunities for growth. Despite these formidable challenges, Black women entrepreneurs continuously break barriers and carve out spaces for themselves in industries where their presence has been historically marginalized.