This is just a fact: Being an entrepreneur is not easy. It’s hard work. But we can probably assume that if lending is harder for the general population it is much harder for women. And, yes, the “good ol’ boys club” still exists–all over the place. It is encouraging, however, that young people seem to view the world and each other more fairly. This is good. I agree with you about the need for the perspective of women entrepreneurs.

By the way, I think that we often do not look at policy enough when it comes to small business whereas such often favors big business even when small business fuels the economy. You have made the latter point here many times. I have always thought that it is an interesting fact that big business seem to have an antagonistic relationship with government when, in fact, government often enables their success by the policies enacted. The SBA sometimes seems to be acting counter to small business and aligned with big business.
Judith Ellis´s last blog ..Being Bo Obama

What is going on in our culture?

I think that is the big question. Is our culture blocking the entrance of women entrepreneurs, or does our culture just not stimulate the desire of women to become entrepreneurs? I know I’m in way over my head on this esoteric subject, but our country is falling behind the rest of the world so fast, we need all the fresh thinking we can possible get, and I would like to see more women get involved–we need their perspective.

Bob – I tend to look at these things broadly. What is going on in the culture? I also really think that access to funding probably still plays a large role.
Judith Ellis´s last blog ..Being Bo Obama

We won’t find out anything from government statistics, because reliable data from that source is non-existent. But, Anita Roddick does have an interesting anecdote in her book, about trying to get a bank loan. That scenario may be playing out regularly all around the world.

Thanks for the comment Judith.
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