Enterprising Women Foundation urges more investment in women entrepreneurs

The Enterprising Women Foundation released a white paper calling on business leaders, investors and philanthropists to back women entrepreneurs as a path to job growth, wealth creation and stronger communities. The report also points to gaps in revenue, capital access and charitable support for women-owned businesses and women-focused causes.

Why it matters: - The Enterprising Women Foundation is framing women entrepreneurship as both an economic-growth strategy and a philanthropy opportunity. - The white paper argues that more support for women-owned businesses can expand jobs, wealth creation and community investment. - The report also points to a funding gap for organizations serving women and girls, suggesting room for more targeted giving.

What happened: - The Enterprising Women Foundation released a new white paper through its Entrepreneurs of Purpose program. - The report is titled Women Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists: Building Businesses, Leaving Legacies. - The paper connects women’s business ownership, wealth creation and charitable giving. - The Foundation says the research is meant to help more women grow companies and turn business success into lasting opportunity for others.

The details: - Wells Fargo’s 2026 research cited in the paper says women own 15.7 million U.S. businesses, or 40.6% of all businesses. - The paper cites 2025 data showing only 1.9% of women-owned firms generate more than $1 million in revenue. - The report says the low share of high-revenue women-owned firms underscores the need for better access to capital, customers and business networks. - Women’s Philanthropy Institute findings cited in the paper show organizations serving women and girls received 2.04% of total U.S. charitable giving in 2023. - Giving USA 2026 estimates total U.S. charitable giving reached $617.2 billion in 2025. - The paper urges people to mentor women entrepreneurs, buy from women-owned businesses, invest in women founders, open doors to new customers and partners, and make purposeful giving part of daily life. - Fraser said the white paper invites leaders to connect business success with the legacy they can build today. - Executive Summary - Full White Paper

Between the lines: - The Foundation is positioning women entrepreneurs as an underused channel for both commercial growth and social impact. - The paper’s numbers suggest women already represent a major share of business ownership, but still face a steep drop-off at higher revenue levels. - The philanthropy data points to a mismatch between the size of the charitable market and the share flowing to women- and girls-focused organizations. - The forthcoming Legacy Report appears designed to extend that message by spotlighting high-revenue women entrepreneurs and women philanthropists.

What's next: - EOP plans a preview of the Legacy Report in March 2027. - The full Legacy Report is scheduled for April 2027. - The report will feature more than 100 women entrepreneurs with annual revenues of at least $50 million. - The report will also include more than 30 women philanthropists. - The Foundation says the report will build on the white paper’s focus on how women create wealth, expand opportunity and give back.

The bottom line: - The Enterprising Women Foundation wants more capital, visibility and buying power directed toward women entrepreneurs, arguing that business support and philanthropy can reinforce each other.