Small business owners that are female, that is their number one problem, is access to capital.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Oftentimes, small business owners are unable to obtain reasonably priced financing and instead turn to higher priced forms of capital, such as credit cards.
Closing the gap for women entrepreneurs should be a priority for the federal government - and yet the Small Business Administration has failed in their promise to women business owners.
The role of business in advancing women's rights is growing, particularly in the area of economic opportunity including opening access to training, mentoring, networks, markets, technology and even to capital in some circumstances.
I think for larger-scale entrepreneurship, it's true - for men and women - that people who already have capital tend to do better.
Well, I happen to believe all business is female business.
Accessing capital to start a business can be a daunting process, especially for entrepreneurs who start out with a great idea, but have no real familiarity with the business world.
Until we know how many women own businesses, we may under-invest in them as entrepreneurs and economic drivers.
In China, a lot of the opening up of private entrepreneurship is happening because women are starting businesses, small businesses, faster than men.
I moderated a panel focusing just on women and the specific challenges that women entrepreneurs face. And we found that around the world, the challenges are the same, whether it is gaining access to capital, risk-taking, or the ability to expand beyond a small business and grow.
Small businesses, you can give them capital, but what they often need as much is mentoring, advice and help with their business plan.