West Virginia is Toughest US State for Women to Grow & Sustain Businesses, finds Report

• Female-owned businesses grew 114% nationwide, but West Virginia struggles with funding and high unemployment.
• States like California, New York, and Maryland offer stronger support for female entrepreneurs.

Over the past two decades, the rise of female-owned businesses across the United States has been remarkable, growing by 114%. from small startups to corporate leadership women entrepreneurs are significantly impacting various industries. However, access to funding, mentorship, and business-friendly policies varies greatly depending on the state.

Although states like California, New York, and Maryland offer strong support networks for female entrepreneurs, West Virginia faces significant challenges. A recent study's data analysis ranked West Virginia as the most difficult state for women to grow and sustain businesses.

The state has only 933 female-owned businesses generating over $1 million in revenue, placing it among the lowest in the nation. Female unemployment in West Virginia is 31.9%, the highest rate in the U.S. Access to venture capital funding is extremely limited, with only 12 deals closed for female-founded businesses—ranking second-lowest in the nation.

These statistics emphasize the challenges women in West Virginia face, including limited access to capital, difficulties in workforce participation, and fewer high-revenue female-owned businesses, making entrepreneurship an uphill struggle.

In contrast, states like California, New York, and Maryland provide strong ecosystems for female-led businesses.

California leads the country with 43,788 female-owned businesses earning over $1 million and 13,516 venture capital deals supporting women-led startups. New York ranks second with 22,176 high-revenue female-owned businesses and 6,293 venture capital deals. Maryland offers one of the highest women-to-men pay ratios (81.3%) and a strong support system for minority and female entrepreneurs.

Although facing these challenges, West Virginia has opportunities to improve the conditions for female entrepreneurs. Investing in mentorship programs, business grants, networking opportunities, and access to capital could create a more business-friendly environment for women.

West Virginia must address the systemic barriers preventing women from achieving business success As female entrepreneurship continues to expand nationwide. By creating stronger financial support systems and professional development resources, the state can work toward closing the gap and empowering more women to thrive in the business world.