Month: June 2025

Where Women-Owned Businesses Thrive in the US — and Where They Don’t

A new LegalZoom study reveals wide geographic disparities in the success of women-owned small businesses across the U.S., with states like Florida, Georgia, and Colorado leading in business ownership per capita, and cities like Miami and Memphis showing especially strong female entrepreneurial activity.

Meanwhile, regions such as rural Appalachia and California’s Central Valley lag due to limited access to capital, mentorship, and supportive infrastructure. The study also highlights how local policies, cultural factors, and economic conditions shape gender parity, employment impact, and payroll among women-led enterprises nationwide.

Click the link above to see the complete report.

Debt Financing 101: How Borrowing Can Power (or Strain) Your Business

Debt financing allows businesses to raise capital by borrowing money that must be repaid over time with interest, using tools like loans, bonds, or lines of credit. It offers benefits such as tax-deductible interest and full ownership retention, but also presents risks like cash flow strain and potential default. Choosing between debt and equity financing depends on factors like cash flow, creditworthiness, and growth goals, and businesses must weigh the trade-offs to make informed financial decisions.  Read more about the pros and cons of debt financing in this PNC post.

Perception vs. Reality: Recent Survey Suggests Small Business Owners Need Stronger Financial Planning

A new TD Bank survey reveals a significant gap between small business owners’ confidence in their financial preparedness and their actual readiness. While 94% of owners believe they’re prepared for the next 12–18 months, many would struggle after just two quarters of revenue shortfalls. The study highlights that although New York-based businesses are slightly more resilient than the national average, most still face challenges like inflation, customer growth, and the rapid evolution of AI tools. Many are turning to digital budgeting tools, loans, and financial advisors, yet underutilize expert guidance. Small business owners are encouraged to seek out trusted financial support to better navigate uncertainty and position their businesses for long-term success.

Closing the Digital Divide for Women Entrepreneurs: A $5 Trillion Opportunity

Women entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries are vital to economic growth but according to this report from World Economic Forum, they face major barriers due to digital exclusion and discriminatory legal frameworks.

While most own smartphones, many lack affordable, reliable internet and face online harassment, limiting their ability to grow businesses through digital tools. Regulatory obstacles and gender bias also prevent women from accessing credit and formalizing businesses.

Closing these gaps through policy reform, infrastructure investment, digital literacy training, and online safety measures could unlock up to $5 trillion in global GDP. Bridging the digital divide is not only a moral imperative—it’s an economic necessity.