associationFOCUS | Volume 8, Issue 2

That shortfall represents a lost opportunity because women can make great leaders. They have different experiences, perspectives and skills than men. They are often creative, innovative problem solvers. But many times, women who start or grow a business have to face more obstacles than their male counterparts. For nine years now, American Express has commissioned an annual report about the state of women-owned businesses. The current report is for 2019, and it is intended to motivate key players to assess whether women are receiving adequate support to become entrepreneurs. Key players who have the power and the will to change the status quo can then adjust their plans so that women receive more support in the future. The report measures sociodemographic characteristics and considers how those characteristics contribute to business success and growth. It celebrates successes, hopes to inspire and motivate women who own businesses, and it also draws attention to areas that could be improved. The 2019 report, for the first time, includes part- time entrepreneurs, called sidepreneurs, who are limiting the time they put into their business for several possible reasons, including the following: » Building a specific lifestyle » Creating a flexible work environment » Finding additional work challenges 4 | association FOCUS