Gender and business creation: similarities and differences

Purpose

This paper explores the scope and impact of gender in the process of starting new businesses, with a particular focus on understanding how participation, motivations and outcomes differ between men and women entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) and the Panel Studies of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED). The GEM data provide a global overview, drawing from representative national samples across over 100 countries to assess the extent of business creation activity and gender participation globally. The longitudinal PSED data set provides information on the business creation process and outcomes.

Findings

Over the last 20 years, the presence of women in the early stages of starting a business in the United States of America has seen a notable increase, doubling their representation among entrepreneurs and nearing parity with men, who also saw growth but at a slower rate. This shift marks a significant move towards greater gender balance in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in its comprehensive analysis of the evolving landscape of gender dynamics within entrepreneurship over two decades, particularly highlighting the significant increase in women's participation in business creation.