Obtaining low-cost financing may be among the most successful ways to boost small business growth. A 2025 Census Bureau report revealed that roughly 42.3% of small businesses are owned by women. This makes female-owned businesses one of the most powerful forces in the American economy.
SmartBiz Bank® provides easy access to low-cost funding that helps female entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. In fact, we’ve funded more than $9 billion in loans, with more than half of that amount going to businesses owned by women, minorities, and veteran-owned companies.
Find out more about how SmartBiz Bank may be able to help you with the funds that you need.
Facts about US women-owned businesses
Over the last several years, women-owned businesses have been growing faster than their counterparts. The statistics are impressive:
- In 2025, more than 15.7 million American businesses were owned by women.
- Women-owned businesses (WOBs) employed more than 12 million people.
- WOBs generated more than $2.8 trillion in 2025.
Top challenges faced by women business owners seeking funding
Women-owned businesses continue to face financing issues at a higher rate than others. In fact, a study published in March 2026 showed that WOBs were granted financing at higher rates than male-owned companies (32% to 27%). However, average credit scores declined, which may highlight ongoing structural problems that female entrepreneurs face.
External factors continue to negatively impact WOBs disproportionately. In 2025, geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and tightened credit requirements affected female-owned companies more than those owned by males. According to a report published by Wells Fargo, “These factors disproportionately impact women-owned small businesses, which tend to have thinner margins, greater barriers to funding, and concentration in consumer-facing sectors.”
As interest rates continue to be a concern for many business owners, WOBs may stand to be more heavily impacted by them. This is especially true for relatively new companies that lack the credit history that longer-tenured firms may possess.
Research also shows that female entrepreneurs continue to face other challenges as well. WOBs may have time constraints based on caregiving responsibilities. They may also encounter difficulties because they don’t have an “old boys” network to tap into, limiting their number of networking opportunities.
SmartBiz Bank SBA loans for women
At SmartBiz Bank, we believe every small business should have easy access to low-cost capital like SBA loans. With longer repayment terms and lower rates, SBA-backed loans offer excellent value when you need funding to grow your small business.
We’re excited to share some of the most inspiring WOB stories from recent customers who are scaling their businesses against the odds.
WOB Success stories
Off-Road Vixens obtained a $100,000 SBA loan from SmartBiz Bank. The funds were used to build their credit history and consolidate existing debt.
The female owner of Enyermy Hair Solution, LLC received a $60,000 term loan. Her loan was funded in a week, giving her fast access to working capital.
Luv Fats Ice Cream has a female minority owner. She was able to obtain a grant to consolidate operations into a single facility.
Funding options and resources for women-owned businesses
In addition to loans, there are other secure sources of capital that female business owners may consider. For example, grants for women entrepreneurs vary from federal to state and local to private sources. At the federal level, they are usually specific to a certain purpose rather than applicable to the daily operations of a business. Before applying, make sure to do ample research on the allocation of funds that the grant is designed for.
The Small Business Administration advocates for women entrepreneurs through their Office of Women’s Business Ownership. Learn more about the resources it provides for underserved communities on their website. The SBA also sponsors over 100 Women’s Business Centers across the US.
Spend some time evaluating the total cost of your loan using our loan calculator. If you believe that an SBA loan or another type of funding is right for your WOB, SmartBiz Bank would love the opportunity to work with you. Find out if you pre-qualify today.
