Encouraging girls and young women to become entrepreneurs is not just about providing the right tools, it’s also about creating a culture that values creativity, resilience and leadership. Through mentorship, access to role models, and opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills, we can empower the next generation of business leaders to succeed.
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In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of fostering entrepreneurship in young girls and women cannot be overstated.
The 2024 Wells Fargo Women-Owned Business Impact Report, a collaboration with Ventureneer, CoreWoman, and Women Influencing Public Policy (WIPP), finds that between 2019 and 2023, women-owned businesses will nearly double that of men-owned businesses. It was revealed that the growth rate was . Even more impressively, from 2022 to 2023, their growth rate skyrocketed to 4.5 times that of businesses run by men. Still, the proportion of women in senior leadership roles globally has increased only slightly, rising from 31.1% in 2016 to 32.2% in 2023.
Kamala Harris, Sheryl Sandberg, and countless other pioneering female leaders are breaking barriers and setting the stage for the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
But challenges remain, and it is up to parents, educators, communities and businesses to ensure girls and young women have the tools, confidence and support to succeed as entrepreneurs.
The importance of early inspiration and expression
Mentorship plays an important role in helping girls and young women develop the skills they need to succeed in business. Mentorship is more than just giving advice. It provides a real-world perspective and allows girls to understand how to apply what they learn in school to the entrepreneurial world.
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One of the key factors in encouraging young girls to consider entrepreneurship is early exposure to role models and relatable success stories. Claire Hutton, author of American Girl’s 2025 Girl of the Year Novel, shares insight into how Summer McKinney’s entrepreneurial journey resonates with young girls. I will tell you.
“I think the idea of starting and running a business can be scary for kids,” Hutton says. “Summer’s journey is the story of how a young girl with fun interests like animals and baking that they can relate to actually grows into a profitable small business.” Summer’s story explores the challenges of entrepreneurship. Break it down in a relatable way so young readers can imagine themselves doing the same thing.
The need for empathetic role models cannot be underestimated. Dr. Rosina Racioppi, President and CEO of Women Unlimited, said, “To increase the opportunity for young women to see female role models in leadership, the school invites successful female alumni to You should consider sharing your career journey.” This visibility can have a huge impact, giving young women the opportunity to envision a future for themselves as entrepreneurs. It is important for them to understand that success is achievable not only for others, but also for themselves.
Mentorship: A game changer for future female entrepreneurs
Nurturing entrepreneurship in young women requires creating formal mentorship structures, or partnerships, between schools, businesses, and community organizations… (+)
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Mentorship plays an important role in helping girls and young women develop the skills they need to succeed in business. Mentorship is more than just giving advice. It provides a real-world perspective and allows girls to understand how to apply what they learn in school to the entrepreneurial world.
“Mentors play a huge role in supporting the growth and development of women in business,” says Dr. Racioppi. “These provide important perspectives for understanding our business and provide opportunities for feedback.” Through mentorship, young women not only receive guidance but also the confidence to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Earn.
Marina Middleton, co-owner and CEO of Create & Cultivate, agrees. “Good mentors connect the dots between what you learn in school and what it takes to build something from the ground up,” Middleton says of introducing girls to business leaders and business leaders. emphasizes the need for mentorship to be made available from an early stage through youth programs and events aimed at Entrepreneur. “Community and event facilitators need to create these experiences to increase access to mentorship at a young age and set the next generation up for success,” she added.
Fostering entrepreneurship among young women requires creating formal mentorship structures, such as partnerships between schools, businesses, and community organizations. These programs can connect ambitious young women with experienced professionals who can guide them through the intricacies of starting and running a business. Early access to mentorship ensures that girls have the skills, networks, and support they need to succeed.
Encourage entrepreneurial thinking from a young age
Reinforcing the concept of gender rights of women and girls for the International Day of the Girl Child, development and peace with a healthy and strong child with dumbbell exercise doodles on the school blackboard (+)
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Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business. It’s about developing a mindset that focuses on creativity, problem solving, and resilience. Parents, educators, and communities all have a role to play in fostering this mindset in girls from an early age.
“Parents can be their children’s first teachers and role models by encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and resilience,” says Dr. Racioppi. Parents can encourage their daughter’s interest in business and leadership by involving her in conversations about work and career. Similarly, schools can incorporate entrepreneurship into their curricula through hands-on projects and student-run businesses.
Middleton suggests creating a safe space for girls to express their ideas, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. “Exposure to women-led businesses through field trips, guest speakers, and events helps girls envision themselves as future business leaders,” she says. Creating an environment where girls can explore their interests and develop leadership skills is key to building confidence and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Claire Hutton also emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity and teamwork in entrepreneurship. “While Summer’s business is very much her own, she has a trusted team she can rely on for support,” she says. In Summer Gets to Work, Summer’s journey is not a lonely one. She learns from her aunt, father, and sister and relies on their support to overcome challenges. This aspect of the story shows young girls that they don’t have to go it alone; collaboration and guidance are important tools for success.
Perseverance and problem solving: key traits for success
Entrepreneurship is full of obstacles, but successful people are those who (+) don’t give up in the face of setbacks.
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One of the most important lessons we can teach young girls is the value of perseverance in overcoming challenges. Entrepreneurship is full of obstacles, but successful people are those who don’t give up in the face of setbacks.
Hutton emphasizes this in Summer’s story, where she never gives up despite facing challenges in her professional and personal life. “Summer has the same can-do attitude, whether it’s deciding on the most attractive packaging for the dog treats she sells or figuring out how to rearrange her schedule in time for a children’s business fair. I’m putting in the work,” Hutton said.
Entrepreneurs are problem solvers by nature, and girls need to be encouraged to approach challenges with creativity and determination. Teaching young women that there is a solution to every problem, whether it’s a small setback or a major obstacle, is critical to building their confidence as future business leaders.
Creating growth opportunities
As we look to the future, it is essential to create more opportunities for young women to… (+) develop their entrepreneurial skills and see themselves as leaders.
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As we look to the future, it is essential to create more opportunities for young women to develop entrepreneurial skills and see themselves as leaders. School programs, community engagement, and internships at women-led businesses all provide girls with valuable experience that fuels their entrepreneurial aspirations.
One way to develop an entrepreneurial spirit is through exposure to leadership roles in corporate life, where innovation and problem-solving are emphasized. “When we see women in these roles, it shows that young women can be entrepreneurial within organizations,” Dr. Racioppi says. This not only expands your understanding of business, but also opens the door to career growth and leadership opportunities.
Additionally, events like Create & Cultivate provide a platform where young women can learn from successful female entrepreneurs. “It’s not just about celebrating wins,” Middleton said. “It’s important to share the stories and lessons learned through the difficult parts.” When young women look at the whole process, including failures, struggles, and resilience, they realize that success is not a straight line and that there are stumbles. Learn to be part of the process.
Empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs
By nurturing these qualities in today’s young women, we… (+) ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for tomorrow’s world of entrepreneurship.
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Encouraging girls and young women to become entrepreneurs is not just about providing the right tools, it’s also about creating a culture that values creativity, resilience and leadership. Through mentorship, access to role models, and opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills, we can empower the next generation of business leaders to succeed.
Claire Hutton reflects on Summer McKinney’s journey, reminding young girls that “their labor and interests have economic value, just like adults” and that “with logic, perseverance, and teamwork they can achieve their goals.” We want them to walk away knowing that they can pursue their goals and address their problems. , and a creative spirit. ”
By cultivating these qualities in today’s young women, we ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for tomorrow’s world of entrepreneurship.
