The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs

Abstract

The Rise Of Women Entrepreneurs Jeanne Halladay Coughlin with Andrew R. Thomas Quorum Books (2002) 233 pages, hardcover, $64.95 Reviewed by: Patricia A. Lanier, Southeast Missouri State University Synopsis Around the world, females are beginning their own businesses in record numbers. Yet, most mainstream publications have failed to spread this important economic and social news. Coughlin has taken on the challenge of discussing the ever-increasing ranks of women entrepreneurs, including historical development of the movement, challenges faced by enterprising females, suggestions for overcoming some of these hurdles, and inspiring short stories of women who have faced and successfully beaten the odds. The book is partitioned into three major sections entitled The Trend, The Participants, and The Processes. The author appropriately begins the book with an overview of some of the historical reasons for the rise of women entrepreneurs: The Trend. Specifically, Coughlin recaps the gender inequities that existed historically in the workplace and the resulting Civil Rights legislation that attempted to balance the playing field. However, despite both federal and state attempts, current census data show that gender discrimination does still exist primarily when addressing pay issues and the resistant glass ceiling. The author states that these prevailing discrepancies, combined with economic globalization and the greater empowerment of women through primarily education, have created an environment ripe for the growth of female entrepreneurship. In the second section of the book, The Participants, Coughlin examines the reasons behind why women choose to start their own businesses. These are categorized as economic, social or personal. The author states that the motivations behind the majority of female business owners can be grouped into one of these three categories. The Processes discusses the inequities that exist in both public and private agencies' willingness to assist women entrepreneurs during their start-up phase, and presents tools for facing these challenges. Coughlin gives readers a working plan for locating, evaluating, and exploiting potential support programs. Finally, perhaps the most useful aspect of the book for women considering entrepreneurship is the Appendices. Included are a thorough resource guide and a sample business plan with instructions. This book is a fairly easy read. I would give it a 4. It reads much like an university undergraduate level business textbook. Recommended Audience Although the information presented in the book would be enlightening to all of us, the most appropriate fit would be in a university Women's Studies program. The data and testimonial synopses would prove a good foundation for provocative classroom discussions. The book could also be a useful read for women considering starting their own businesses. It does furnish some potentially helpful tools, and the real-life stories could provide necessary motivation. Most Insightful Part The discussions throughout the book concerning the connection between the growth of female entrepreneurs and the growth of the world economy are by far the most enlightening. …

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