The reality of being a woman in an entrepreneurial role is that women face unique business challenges.  Recent statistics show that women are CEOs of only 5% of Fortune 500 companies.  We make up only 5% of entrepreneurs, yet we make up just over 50% of the population.  I think that we could talk about why those statistics exist until the cows come home.  I’m more interested in helping women become entrepreneurs, and overcome the challenges that they face.

Many of the challenges that women face have very little to do with business itself, but rather more to do with things like having small children, a husband who may not be understanding, housekeeping duties, expectations of society and extended family, and more.  Business is the least of the problems.  In an era where women are into parenting as a sport, and competitions over who keeps the neatest house, it can be daunting to break the mould and be different.

Know that it can be done, and it has been done.  But you have to overcome many challenges, starting with those at home.  There are so many resources out there for women who want to be entrepreneurs.  There are even special financial opportunities for women who are getting into business, just to encourage us to pursue those opportunities.

So, what does that mean for you, and your situation?  There is help at hand.  Starting a business isn’t all about risk tolerance.  Rather, it’s about controlling your life, and your future.  You can control your actions, and with a bit of support, and some education, you should be able to manage your future.  You even get to improve your work-life balance, because it’s all you, all the time, and focusing on how to spend your energy can be incredibly liberating.  You may need to be present when the kids get off the bus in the afternoon, or to taxi kids around.  If you choose among your options carefully, then you can ensure that you will be present when your kids need you.  How cool is that?

Most people I know who own their own businesses will tell you that it really is a lot of work, but at the same time, it is liberating in other ways as well.  Do you have a business you’re interested in starting?

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