Are There Changes in the Offing?
The boom in entrepreneurial growth throughout the 1990s included many women entrepreneurs who chose to start ventures in software, biotechnology, and financial services. Armed with MBAs, corporate experience, and technology expertise, these women sought to grow large firms in nontraditional areas. A rising number of women started firms in wholesale trade, transportation, communications, and utilities, the number now reaching 250,000 women-owned firms in these sectors.[16] Women launched new ventures in technology-driven businesses including telecommunications, medical diagnostics, and manufacturing. In addition, family and social support in the form of extensive networking organizations, child-care facilities at small business offices, and other resources made it easier for women to consider growth. It is clear that many of today's women entrepreneurs are choosing to grow their ventures. Since 1999, more than 2,500 women have applied to Springboard Venture Forums seeking angel and venture capital to fund growth.[17]