Female Supremacy Articles - Page 10

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"These businesses are a critical component of the economy," she said, "not only in terms of their influence but also in terms of their economic impact."

That impact is often little noticed, said Deborah Davis, 41, who owns four dry cleaners in the Los Angeles area called Cleaner By Nature.

"It's happened so fast," said Ms. Davis, who has 18 employees. "When I was born, women didn't usually own their own businesses. It's a tremendous change in one generation."

Also, said Ms. Davis, "women often find niches in the marketplace where men aren't, so they don't have as high a profile."

The study estimated that employment at companies owned by women increased 24 percent in seven years, compared with 12 percent at all privately owned companies.

"There is a perception that women-owned businesses are smaller," said Nina McLemore, who runs a women's executive clothing business in New York. Compared with businesses owned by men, she said, "Yes, they are still a bit smaller, but not significantly so, and they don't stay smaller."

When Ms. McLemore's business began 13 months ago, she was its only worker; it now has 13 employees. In its first year, her company had $1.5 million in revenue, reflecting another trend noted in the study: estimated revenue for companies owned by women is increasing rapidly. Since 1997, revenue at companies owned by women has risen 39 percent, compared with 34 percent for all privately owned companies.