Commerce's Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) today released a report on Women-Owned Businesses in the 21st Century that analyzes the changing role of women-owned businesses in the U.S. economy.  The report, prepared at the request of the White House Council on Women and Girls and released today during a White House Entrepreneurship Conference, looks at trends in women-owned businesses from the late 1990s through 2007, explores the characteristics of businesses owned by women as compared to those owned by men, and discusses potential reasons why these firms look different.

“Here’s the good news: women-owned businesses are steadily expanding and now account for $1.2 trillion in economic output,” said Commerce Department Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Rebecca Blank.  “Considering the recent economic environment, this growth shows the important potential of women-owned businesses for future economic growth.”