A recent report by Intuit QuickBooks shines a spotlight on the thriving entrepreneurial spirit among American women, as well as the real challenges women often face in turning dreams into thriving businesses.
In a survey of 3,000 Americans—including nearly 950 women who are planning to launch a business in 2026—the research uncovers both the optimism and the obstacles shaping this new chapter in women’s entrepreneurship.
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Women are stepping into entrepreneurship more enthusiastically than ever. A remarkable 58% of women in the U.S. are planning to or are considering starting their own business in 2026, signaling a powerful shift in the economic landscape. Younger generations are leading this entrepreneurial wave, with 73% of Gen Z women surveyed aiming to launch their own ventures.
One in five women (19%) have developed at least a basic business plan for their idea, and some have gone even farther, up to and including the launch stage. The majority of women entrepreneurs (53%) are focused on starting fresh, with plans to open brand-new businesses rather than taking over existing ones. This growing tide of innovation and ambition shows women are ready to lead the way in 21st-century small businesses.
When it comes to funding their businesses, women entrepreneurs are open to both personal and business financing options. Personal savings are the most popular choice for financing (60% of aspiring women entrepreneurs said they would turn to personal savings first), while small business loans are the top business funding option among 47% of women.
On average, women estimate they’ll need $22,015 to launch their ventures. However, 14% believe they could start their business with an ultra-lean budget of less than $1,000. For many aspiring women founders, a small investment or grant could be the key to their entrepreneurial dreams. However, financial obstacles aren’t the only challenges women business owners have to navigate.
There’s no doubt that funding is one of the most pressing challenges for women entrepreneurs. While some believe they could launch with less than $1,000, accessing even that modest amount of capital is a major hurdle. In fact, a small grant of just $500–$5,000 would be enough to help 30% of women start their businesses. This highlights the critical need for targeted financial resources to empower women and help turn their ideas into reality.
The survey also reveals a powerful solution: community. Women who have a mentor or access to expert guidance are more likely to feel equipped and ready to move forward. In fact, 11% of respondents said having a mentor would give them the confidence needed to get started—a testament to the need for resources not just in funding, but in education and emotional support.
For many women business owners, entrepreneurship is not just about financial independence but also about creating change. While increasing personal income and building wealth was the top motivation for 56% of women, nearly one in four women (23%) are driven to start a business primarily to make a positive impact on their community.
The majority of women cite increasing their income (56%) and being their own boss (51%) as their top motivations for entrepreneurship, with nearly half (44%) looking to turn a skill or hobby into an income stream—a particularly strong motivator for Gen Z entrepreneurs.
However, women are keenly aware of economic conditions. One in five (20%) say they won’t pursue entrepreneurship in 2026 unless the economy improves, and 73% would be more likely to start a business if it began to grow. Despite these challenges, their determination and focus on personal and community goals show the incredible resilience of women entrepreneurs.
What factors have the biggest impact in helping women achieve their entrepreneurial goals? Practical startup funding, meaningful connections with business mentors, and access to affordable business education are three clear needs demonstrated in the survey data. These small but strategic supports equip women to turn their passion and vision into entrepreneurial reality. These findings align with broader trends among women entrepreneurs, which show that access to funding, education, and support networks remains critical to long-term success.
By listening to and learning from women at every stage, policymakers, industry leaders, and support organizations can help bridge these gaps and clear the path to lasting success. With the right resources, including intuitive software like QuickBooks to manage finances with clarity, the next generation of women founders can confidently build their vision.
Entrepreneurship in 2026: In December 2025, Intuit QuickBooks commissioned an online survey of 3,000 US adults. The survey asked respondents if they had considered starting a business in 2026 and what their biggest barriers were preventing them from starting a business. Among these respondents, 949 women indicated they were considering starting a business in the next year.
Among these women entrepreneurs, 28% were Gen X, 42% were Millennials, and 26% were Gen Z. An additional 7% were Baby Boomers but were not included in the generational analyses due to their small sample size. Additionally, the average amount needed to start a business was calculated by weighting the average of each range.
Percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number, so values shown in charts and graphics may not add up to 100%. Responses to multiple-choice survey questions are shown as a percentage of the number of respondents, not the total number of responses, so will always sum to more than 100%. Responses were collected using Pollfish audience pools and partner networks with double opt-ins and random device engagement sampling to ensure accurate targeting and high-quality results. Respondents received remuneration.
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