The number of women starting their own businesses in the United States is increasing, with a recent study showing that women account for nearly half of all new entrepreneurs since 2020.
A survey conducted by Gusto revealed that women made up almost 50% of startups in the U.S. in 2021 – a significant increase of almost 30% since 2019. Experts attribute this growth to the pandemic, which drove more women to venture into self-employment, resulting in a rise in female business owners.
Karli Shank, a mother of two with another child on the way, has always had a passion for entrepreneurship.
“I was a stay-at-home mom for three years but felt the need to start working again,” Shank shared. “With 16 years of experience in the restaurant industry alongside my husband, I decided to explore other possibilities. I knew I needed to do something soon.”
RELATED STORY | Small business applications have surpassed 17M, White House says
Shank is now a co-owner of Spark the Senses in Centennial, Colorado – an indoor playground for kids that she launched in 2024 with her husband.
“The concept of having my kids with me while working was appealing,” Shank explained. “I wanted to be able to bring them with me wherever I go, which inspired me to start our own venture.”
According to Gusto, women comprised 47% of new business owners in 2020, with 32% starting their businesses due to layoffs during the pandemic.
“As we witness the economic recovery, women are entering the business world with greater determination,” stated Dr. Kishore Kulkarni, an economist at Metro State University in Denver. “The past couple of years have seen a surge in women joining the labor force and establishing new businesses more energetically than men.”
Gusto’s survey revealed that 64% of women who launched their businesses in 2022 cited the need for more flexibility, a sentiment echoed by Shank. With her business catering to children, she witnesses many moms bringing their kids while working on their own ventures.
“I often see stay-at-home moms bringing their laptops here to work while their children play,” Shank noted. “In this day and age, having dual incomes is essential, and many of us are making it work in creative ways.”
