Women entrepreneurs on the rise
More and more women in the Netherlands become entrepreneur, according to a report of the EIM, an independent Dutch research and consultancy organisation.This study provides insight into the development of female entrepreneurship. The data comes from different sources. Figures were collected from Statistics Netherlands and the Chamber of Commerce. In addition, a survey was carried out and a group discussion was held with women entrepreneurs.
Some figures
Between 2000 and 2009 the amount of women among the starters has grown from 25 to 35 percent. In absolute terms the share of female start-ups increased from about 300.000 to 350.000, which is 32 percent of the total number of entrepreneurs. Thus one third of the Dutch entrepreneurs is a woman.
Characteristics of female entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs are often highly educated and fairly innovative. Half of them work at least 36 hours a week, most of them run a profitable company, but their average profit is about 60 percent of what male entrepreneurs get.The cause for the lower profit level is perhaps linked with different aspects of female entrepreneurship. Among them are:
- Only one quarter of the women is the main wage-earner.
- Being their own master is of more importance to women than the growth of their business.
- Women also attach great importance to a good balance between work and home.
- Women are often active in sectors that are less profitable, such as launderettes and hairdresser’s saloons.
60 percent of female entrepreneurs has a turnover of up to € 50.000 a year. More than 70 percent has a turnover of less than € 100.000 and 90 percent remains below the € 500.000. Six percent has a turnover of more than one million euros.
Source: EIM, Brisk 24 february 2011
