In 2008, there were an estimated 1 million women-owned small businesses in the United States, generating $918.3 billion in sales. These businesses were calculated by the National Women's Business Council to have an overall economic impact of $2.8 trillion due to the creation of nearly 24 million jobs, which represents 16% of all US employment. The number of small businesses owned by women is expected to continue to grow. There are a number of government funding programs for women to help them set up or run their small business successfully.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) Guaranteed Loan Program

SBA loans are set at very specific terms and guarantee up to 85% of the value of a loan which the woman business owner manages to secure from a private lender. It is not a grant, nor is it always a cheap loan. Obtaining a loan is always dependent upon the borrower having a sound financial background with a good credit score. The borrower will also need either financial statements dating back three years or a detailed business and financial plan for a start-up company.

The SBA Surety Bond Program

Surety bonds guarantee up to $10 million on business contracts, promising to assume a percentage of the loss if the woman-owned small business should fail to meet its contractual obligations. This program gives women the chance to bid on lucrative government and other contracts on a more equal footing with larger companies.