1 in 4 Women Plan to Launch Businesses in 2026 as 58% More Consider It
Updated
Updated · Inc. · May 24
1 in 4 Women Plan to Launch Businesses in 2026 as 58% More Consider It
1 articles · Updated · Inc. · May 24
25% of women say they plan to start a business in 2026, according to a QuickBooks entrepreneurship survey, pointing to a record wave of potential new founders.
58% more say they would consider launching one, suggesting the main gap is not interest but moving from intent to action.
59% of prospective women founders report a sense of urgency, driven chiefly by the pursuit of higher income, more control and greater flexibility.
Nearly half say they would start even if conditions are not perfect, while 1 in 5 would wait for better timing.
Almost two-thirds of women have never owned or run a business, versus a little less than half of men, underscoring how much of the 2026 surge still depends on first-time founders.
Women-led startups deliver higher returns. So why are investors leaving this money on the table in 2026?
For the millions of women starting businesses, what is the single most critical step they are most likely to overlook?
Women Entrepreneurs in 2026: Record Growth, Persistent Funding Gaps, and the Future of Inclusive Innovation
Overview
In 2026, women’s entrepreneurship in the U.S. is entering a new era marked by innovative business strategies and strong support systems. Dedicated initiatives, such as Daniella Pierson’s CHASM platform, are bridging historical gaps by offering free resources and grants to female entrepreneurs, directly addressing the lack of legacy networks. Major organizations like the Tory Burch Foundation are making billion-dollar commitments to empower women, resulting in a significant increase in women-owned businesses surpassing $1 million in revenue. These efforts are helping women overcome traditional barriers and achieve greater economic impact, signaling a dynamic shift in the entrepreneurial landscape.