WCWB Blog

Washington State is leading the charge when it comes to women-owned businesses, with 42% of all companies in the state owned by women—the highest percentage in the nation. This is why we are so excited to be a recognized Women's Business Center for this state! Women-led enterprises here aren’t just small ventures; many are generating over $1 million annually, showcasing Washington’s strong support for female entrepreneurs. From local shops to tech-driven consulting, women are reshaping the state’s business landscape and fueling one of the fastest-growing “she-conomies” in the U.S. Just our center alone manages over 4,500 active clients looking to launch, expand, or sustain their businesses.

Women-Owned Business Trends Across the Nation

Nationwide data reveals that women entrepreneurs often gravitate toward industries with strong consumer demand and lower entry costs, like Other Services, Professional/Scientific/Technical Services, Administrative/Support Services, and Healthcare/Social Assistance. These sectors alone represent almost half of all women-owned businesses. Women are also making significant inroads into finance, insurance, and real estate, fields that offer high revenue potential and long-term growth opportunities.

Washington’s She-conomy Is Booming

Washington is outperforming the national average in women-owned business growth. In 2023, Seattle saw a 14% jump in new women-owned business openings, many of which were in home services, contracting, electrical work, and pressure washing—fields traditionally dominated by men. Rural areas are also experiencing growth in healthcare services, retail, and community-focused businesses, highlighting Washington’s economic diversity and entrepreneurial support network. In the last TWO YEARS, our center has seen a huge uptick in women seeking their own healthcare practices and hiring their own staff.

Top 10 Industries Women Are Starting Businesses In

Here’s a snapshot of the 10 most popular industries for women entrepreneurs in Washington State currently:

1. Other Services (salons, pet care, cleaning services)
2. Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (consulting, legal, bookkeeping)
3. Healthcare & Social Assistance (childcare, homecare, therapy practices)
4. Administrative & Support Services (staffing, office support, security)
5. Retail Trade (boutiques, specialty stores)
6. Finance & Insurance (financial advisors, insurance agencies)
7. Real Estate & Rental/Leasing (real estate agents, property managers)
8. Transportation & Warehousing (delivery services, logistics startups)
9. Home Services & Construction (contractors, electricians)
10. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (creative studios, workshops)

Why Women Thrive in These Industries

Many of these industries offer low startup costs, flexibility, and strong local demand, making them ideal entry points for entrepreneurs. Others, like finance and real estate, provide high-growth potential and long-term earning opportunities. The rapid growth of women in construction and logistics reflects a cultural shift, proving that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Washington’s business ecosystem—complete with incubators, mentorship programs, and a supportive consumer base—has helped these ventures thrive. We are happy to be a part of that ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: A State Shaped by Women Entrepreneurs

Women in Washington State are reshaping the business landscape. With rising support from local communities, access to capital, and mentorship programs, women-owned businesses are not just keeping pace with national trends—they’re setting them. Whether in tech, retail, healthcare, or construction, women entrepreneurs are fueling job creation, inspiring innovation, and redefining leadership in Washington.

Women-owned businesses are increasingly pivotal to economic growth—nationwide, they now drive about $2.7 trillion in revenue, employ 12.2 million people, and grew from 2019 to 2023 at far higher rates than male-owned firms, according to the 2024 Wells Fargo report. In Washington State, women own 42% of all businesses—the highest percentage in the U.S.—and 34% of women-led firms in Washington generate over $1 million in annual revenue, underscoring their growing financial impact. Moreover, women-led startups accounted for 49% of all new businesses in 2024, reflecting rapidly expanding participation in entrepreneurship. Despite these gains, women founders continue to face capital-access disparities; however, funding support is improving—average loan amounts to women rose 25% from 2023 to 2024, helping drive their average business revenues up by 15% to nearly $520,000. Our work continues!

‍

Written by: WCWB Staff

‍

Sources:

1. Washington Informer - https://www.washingtoninformer.com/women-owned-businesses-driving-economic-growth/
2. Seattle Business Magazine - https://www.seattlebusinessmag.com/opening-bell/statshot-puget-powerhouses
3. Walla Walla Trends - https://wallawallatrends.org/newsletter/nov24_short3/
4. AXIOS Seattle - https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/04/18/seattles-she-conomy-growing
5. National Women's Business Council - https://www.nwbc.gov/annual-reports/2024/by-the-numbers.html
6. Wells Fargo - https://newsroom.wf.com/news-releases/news-details/2024/New-Report-Finds-Growth-of-Women-Business-Owners-Outpaces-the-Market/default.aspx
7. Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/rohitarora/2024/03/08/revenues-of-women-owned-businesses-grew-15-in-2023/
8. Business Insider - https://www.businessinsider.com/women-started-more-businesses-than-men-used-debt-financing-2025-5
9. Forbes Small Business - https://www.forbes.com/sites/rohitarora/2025/03/07/women-owned-businesses-got-more-loan-approvals-higher-amounts-in-2024/

‍