Women Entrepreneurs : Moving Beyond the Glass Ceiling

The cases of 129 successful women entrepreneurs, who previously worked in corporate environments, are considered in this book. It examines the driving forces which led these women to leave the organizational environment, and the use of the organization as an incubator to entrepreneurship.

Women-owned businesses make up the fastest growing entrepreneurial sector in the American economy. Between 1975 and 1990, women started businesses at more than twice the rate of men. Women Entrepreneurs looks at 129 successful female entrepreneurs who previously worked in corporate environments. The book explores the driving forces that led these women to leave the organizational environment, the use of the organization as an incubator as a preparatory step in preparing for entrepreneurship, and the strategies employed by these entrepreneurs after the corporate leap. Initial difficulties encountered in starting the businesses are examined along with other important topics including entrepreneurial networking and how these women measure success in their own businesses. The book concludes with suggestions for future entrepreneurs and for organizations who wish to halt the mass exit of talented women from their corporate environments. Rich case scenarios enliven an informative profile of female entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs will be invaluable to professors, students, and professionals interested in entrepreneurship, human resources, womenÆs studies, and career strategies.