Enterprising Women Foundation Urges Investment in Women Entrepreneurs

The Enterprising Women Foundation is urging increased investments in women entrepreneurs as they are poised to create jobs, build wealth and strengthen communities. A white paper, published as part of its Entrepreneurs of Purpose (EOP) initiative, explores the economic, financial and philanthropic impact of supporting women-owned enterprises.

Titled Women Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists: Building Businesses, Leaving Legacies, the white paper explores the relationship between women’s business ownership, wealth creation and charitable giving. It encourages business leaders, investors and philanthropists to support women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and establish sustainable social impact.

Edie Fraser, the National Chair of the Enterprising Women Foundation made a point of the need to help women businesses and women's role in the communities.

“By supporting women in the expansion of their businesses, we also create jobs for them, invest in them, and build up their communities, Edie said.

The paper emphasizes women's achievements in entrepreneurship and challenges that hinder the growth of a business. Wells Fargo research cited in the report shows that there are 15.7 million women business owners in the United States, or 40.6% of all businesses. The paper also notes that only 1.9 percent of women-owned businesses have revenues of over $1 million per year in 2025.

These statistics illustrate key areas where access to capital, customers, mentorship and business networks are needed. Overcome these challenges may help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses, boost their income, create jobs and contribute to their long-term financial sustainability.

Key Highlights

• Women own 15.7 million US businesses, representing 40.6% of businesses
• Only 1.9% of women-owned firms generate over $1 million annually
• The report promotes investment, mentorship and philanthropy to support women entrepreneurs

Additionally, the white paper explores the work done by women in philanthropy and the importance of increased investment programs that benefit women and girls. According to the report, findings from the Women's Philanthropy Institute show that in 2023, organizations that serve women and girls received only 2.04% of charitable giving in the United States as a whole.

The funding gap is an opportunity for philanthropists and business leaders to invest more in economic empowerment, leadership development and community advancement for women. According to Giving USA 2026, total giving in the United States during 2025 was $617.2 billion, reflecting the vast amount of resources available for social causes.

The study is an invitation for business leaders to link their success to a positive impact on society, Fraser said. “What I want leaders to do with this white paper is to start thinking about how to make their business a legacy that they can leave behind,” she said.

The Foundation suggests a range of actionable measures to promote women entrepreneurship such as mentoring women entrepreneurs, buying from women entrepreneurs, investing in women entrepreneurs and linking them with customers and partners. It also prompts people to do something meaningful to give.

The research will be included in EOP's upcoming Legacy Report, which will include over 100 women entrepreneurs with annual revenues of $50 million or higher and over 30 women philanthropists. A preview will be published in March 2027 and the full report will be published in April 2027.

The campaign aims to share the significance of supporting women entrepreneurs in growing their businesses, wealth building and leveraging their means to contribute for sustainable economic and social outcomes.