![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sofi-breaking-barriers.jpg\")
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PeopleImages \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n
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Women business owners are no longer content to just \u201cstay in their lane.\u201d Instead, they are branching out into fields previously dominated by men, such as construction, transportation and warehouse, and tech\/software and AI, according to a recent SoFi<\/a> survey, which turns many assumptions about female entrepreneurs on their heads.<\/p>\n In the Summer 2025 SoFi survey of over 1,000 women business owners across the U.S., the majority of respondents reported that they had no financial help or support network when they launched their businesses. Instead, they used their own savings to get their venture off the ground and relied on their experience and know-how.<\/p>\n And forget investors \u2014 many female founders are getting the job done with their own money, hard work, ingenuity, and determination.<\/p>\n Key Points<\/p>\n These data highlights are based on SoFi\u2019s survey of 1,000 women business owners in the U.S. ages 18 and up, conducted on June 12-18, 2025. Percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number, and some questions allowed for multiple answers, so some data may not add up to 100%.<\/p>\n 68% funded their businesses with their own personal savings. Only 18% had a business or Small Business Administration (SBA) loan; just 3% had venture capital. Why Business Growth Equals Personal Growth<\/p>\n There are over 14 million female-owned businesses in the U.S., and they generate $3.3 trillion in revenue.<\/p>\n Most women business owners say they are very confident in their financial management skills \u2014 and those abilities are clearly paying off. However, they do worry about the broader financial situation in the U.S. The majority of SoFi survey respondents cite \u201ccurrent economic uncertainty\u201d as the biggest challenge they face right now in terms of managing their business finances.<\/p>\n The bottom line is that despite the unpredictability of today\u2019s economy, women have discovered that owning a business can be deeply rewarding\u2014and that there can be unexpected opportunities in fields that may have once seemed off-limits. In fact, 30% say that entering a new industry has been the biggest professional reward they\u2019ve gained.<\/p>\n Bridging the Gender Gap<\/p>\n As noted above, women are discovering opportunities in business spaces that were once for men only. Sixteen percent of SoFi respondents say their business is in an industry that\u2019s male-dominated, and 39% report that the industry they\u2019re in is evenly divided between men and women. By comparison 38% say they\u2019re in an industry that\u2019s female-dominated, and 7% don\u2019t know the make-up of their industry.<\/p>\n For many women entrepreneurs, venturing into new territory has had a positive effect:<\/p>\n 44% say the gender makeup of their industry has motivated them to prove themselves and stand out. Easier Than Expected<\/p>\n While breaking into a male-dominated field might sound intimidating, it was actually fairly simple, SoFi\u2019s survey found: 61% of women business owners say it was not at all difficult \u2014 or just slightly difficult \u2014 to enter their industry.<\/p>\n SoFi<\/p>\n This is what respondents said when asked how difficult it was to enter their industries.<\/p>\n Not at all difficult: 37% The Challenges Women Entrepreneurs Faced When Entering Their Industry<\/p>\n The main obstacles women business owners face have less to do with discrimination and more to do with building a support system, according to SoFi\u2019s survey. Networking and finding a mentor were the top challenges for 68% of respondents. Surprisingly, this was more than twice as challenging as securing funding.<\/p>\n SoFi<\/p>\n Here is the breakdown of some of the biggest obstacles for women entrepreneurs.\u00a0<\/p>\n Difficulty building a network: 40% How Women Overcame the Biggest Challenges to Launching Their Business<\/p>\n A few roadblocks didn\u2019t slow down these female entrepreneurs, however. In fact, many women business owners found the hurdles motivating.<\/p>\n SoFi<\/p>\n This is what respondents had to say when asked how they overcame obstacles.<\/p>\n I worked harder to prove myself: 51% Where the Money Comes From<\/p>\n Most women business owners in the SoFi survey dug into their own savings to launch. Only 18% secured a business loan or Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. Perhaps it\u2019s a good thing then that many of them required less than $10,000 to set up shop.<\/p>\n How Women Funded the Launch of Their Business<\/p>\n SoFi<\/p>\n This is how respondents say they funded their business.<\/p>\n Personal savings: 68% The Initial Funding Their Business Required<\/p>\n SoFi<\/p>\n Here is the breakdown of startup costs for the respondents.<\/p>\n Less than $10,000: 44% Even though they primarily had to use their own savings or credit cards to launch, 47% of women business owners say they haven\u2019t had any funding obstacles.<\/p>\n Financially Fluent<\/p>\n The overwhelming majority of women business owners report that they have good money management skills \u2014 and they\u2019re proud to use them. Only 3% outsource this task to a professional.<\/p>\n SoFi<\/p>\n This is what respondents said when asked about their level of confidence in managing business finances.<\/p>\n Very confident: 42% Most women business owners learned financial management skills on their own: 62% say they are self-taught through experience. Others had a little help, including 15% who learned from an advisor or mentor, and 12% who took classes or workshops. Eight percent of women entrepreneurs say they are still learning.<\/p>\n What Keeps Them Up At Night<\/p>\n Just like any business owner, female founders have concerns about specific financial issues. A substantial number of them are worried about the state of the U.S. economy.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what they said when asked: What are the biggest challenges related to managing your business finances?<\/p>\n Current economic uncertainty: 38% Reaping the Rewards<\/p>\n In the SoFi survey, women business owners revealed that money was less of a motivation to start their company<\/a> than personal fulfillment. Thirty percent say they were inspired by the desire for flexibility and autonomy, and 27% launched to pursue a strong vision or passion. Just 23% say they started a business to generate income after a job loss or life change.<\/p>\n But for most respondents, the rewards have been well worth it.<\/p>\n Greatest Personal Rewards of Owning a Business<\/p>\n SoFi<\/p>\n This is what respondents said when asked about the personal rewards of entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n Flexibility and control over my time: 63% Greatest Professional Rewards of Owning a Business<\/p>\n SoFi<\/p>\n This is what respondents said when asked about the professional rewards of entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n Expanding my client base or market: 42% Best Advice for Other Aspiring Women Business Owners<\/p>\n When asked what they would tell other women who are starting a business, the female entrepreneurs SoFi surveyed had a lot to say. Here are some of their best tips and words of wisdom:<\/p>\n \u201cTry going out on a limb to achieve your dreams. You never know what you are capable of.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t treat your business like a hobby. Keep trying and put all your efforts into it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe strong, classy, and in control. There\u2019s nothing you can\u2019t do if you put your mind to it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFind support from other women.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKnow the field well. I had twenty years of experience before I started my own business.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLearn as much as you can from someone who is in the same field or a similar one. Shadow them if you can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not always a direct path. Be open to changes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to ask for help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSave up your own money, start small and grow, and don\u2019t give up if you have a good concept.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo your homework, make sure you have good business and financial skills, evaluate risk, and don\u2019t depend on one major customer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe tenacious, do your research, and have a two-year plan, a five-year plan, and a 10-year plan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKeep learning and asking questions as you go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo your research, stay the course, and make connections everywhere you go. You never know where you will find an opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n The Takeaway<\/p>\n Women business owners are entering traditionally male-dominated industries in growing numbers. On the whole, they are finding the challenge motivating, according to SoFi\u2019s 2025 survey of female entrepreneurs. Female founders have learned how to stand out from the competition, built stronger networks, and pivoted to adapt their business model to better compete.<\/p>\n These women business owners are confident in their financial management skills, the survey found. That may be because they\u2019ve been doing it since the start \u2014 for many of them, funding their business was a DIY operation. They mainly relied on personal savings and credit cards to get the money they needed to launch.<\/p>\n Funding methods other aspiring women business owners may want to pursue include grants and loans. It can be helpful to explore all financial options when putting a business plan into action.<\/p>\n This story<\/a> was produced by SoFi<\/a> and reviewed and distributed by Stacker<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n62% of women business owners taught themselves how to manage their business finances; 42% are very confident in their financial management skills.
\n44% say their industry\u2019s gender makeup has motivated them to prove themselves and stand out.
\n63% of respondents say personal fulfillment comes from flexibility and control, with 42% saying satisfaction derives from expanding client bases and 36% from revenue growth.<\/p>\n
\n29% report that it allows them to distinguish themselves from the competition.
\n20% say they\u2019ve been able to build stronger networks because of it.
\n26% of respondents say gender hasn\u2019t had any impact at all.<\/p>\n![\"Donut](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sofi-breaking-barriers-1.png\")
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\nSlightly difficult: 24%
\nModerately difficult: 28%
\nVery difficult: 8%
\nExtremely difficult: 3%\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sofi-breaking-barriers-2.png\")
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\nLack of access to funding: 29%
\nLimited mentorship or guidance: 28%
\nLack of industry knowledge or experience: 25%
\nGender bias or discrimination: 18%<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sofi-breaking-barriers-3.png\")
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\nI built my own network or support community: 39%
\nI adapted my business model to overcome obstacles: 29%
\nI pursued additional training or education: 27%
\nI sought advice or mentorship from other women entrepreneurs: 22%
\nI haven\u2019t overcome them yet: 10%<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sofi-breaking-barriers-4.png\")
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\nFriends or family: 25%
\nCredit cards: 24%
\nBusiness loan<\/a> (bank or private): 13%
\nSBA loan or assistance: 5%
\nGovernment grants: 4%
\nVenture capital or angel investors: 3%
\nCrowdfunding platforms<\/a>: 3%
\nOther: 7%<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sofi-breaking-barriers-5.png\")
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\n$10,000-$24,999: 12%
\n$25,000-$49,999: 9%
\n$50,000-$99,999: 9%
\n$100,000 or more: 6%
\nMy business didn\u2019t require any initial funding: 19%<\/p>\n![\"Four](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sofi-breaking-barriers-6.png\")
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\nSomewhat confident: 49%
\nNot very confident: 7%
\nNot confident at all: 2%<\/p>\n
\nSetting prices or fees: 32%
\nUnderstanding taxes or compliance: 27%
\nBudgeting and expense tracking: 21%
\nForecasting revenue: 20%
\nManaging cash flow: 20%
\nI haven\u2019t had major financial challenges: 19%
\nAccess to capital or credit: 15%\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sofi-breaking-barriers-7.png\")
<\/p>\n
\nPersonal growth or self-confidence: 48%
\nDoing meaningful or impactful work: 38%
\nFinancial independence or growth: 36%
\nBeing able to provide for my family: 34%
\nGaining respect or recognition: 28%
\nGrowing savings for my family: 27%
\nCreating opportunities for others: 21%<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sofi-breaking-barriers-8.png\")
<\/p>\n
\nAchieving revenue growth: 36%
\nSuccessfully entering a new industry: 30%
\nLaunching new services or products: 21%
\nHiring a strong team: 18%
\nReceiving industry recognition or awards: 16%<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1763710815_771_pixel.gif\"){kind=tracking}
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