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There has never been a better time to be a woman business owner.&nbsp;For Women’s History Month, Franchise500’s Jeff Cheatham offered <a href="https://www.franchise500.com/article/421615?__hstc=163787360.43e6dd2e4629cfcb3b7656bf13285cef.1647553189504.1647553189504.1647553189504.1&amp%3B__hssc=163787360.3.1647553189505&amp%3B__hsfp=481022334&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=number-of-women-in-franchising-has-grown-each-year-since-2016-2718248" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">a look at the impressive strides females have made in the franchising industry</a>, which indicates a promising future for women in the industry.&nbsp;First, Cheatham looked at how much the rate of women-owned businesses has grown in the last half-century. The U.S. Census Bureau started keeping records of female entrepreneurs in 1972, when just 400,000 companies were women-owned. Today’s statistics show over 13 million businesses owned by women, a staggering 3,150% increase. <a href="https://www.guidantfinancial.com/small-business-trends/women-in-business/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=number-of-women-in-franchising-has-grown-each-year-since-2016-2718248#:~:text=Thirty%2Done%20percent%20of%20all,born%20between%201965%20and%201980)." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Women now account for about one-third of small business owners and franchisees</a>, Guidant Financial reports.When it comes to <a href="https://www.franchiseinsights.com/franchise-prospects/historic-changes-in-franchise-prospect-demographics-womens-interest-in-franchises-suppressed-during-the-pandemic-is-now-rebounding-disproportionately/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=number-of-women-in-franchising-has-grown-each-year-since-2016-2718248" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">interest in franchise ownership, women are currently outnumbering men</a> in exploring possible investments, Franchise Insights reports. And that trend shows no sign of slowing; the number of women becoming franchisees has risen steadily for the last five years.About 33% of all female business owners and franchisees have been running their operations for more than a decade, the Guidant Financial data shows.Related stories:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/5-female-led-franchise-brands-2715550#stories">5 Female-Led Franchise Brands</a></li></ul>

Number of Women in Franchising Has Grown Each Year Since 2016

1851 Franchise

Data compiled by Franchise500 shows more and more women focusing on business ownership and breaking into the franchise world.

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Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

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Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

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Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. - Technology Piece - CTO Nick Fontenot - May 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Builds the Future of Franchising With Tech-First Strategy

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Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette’s Recipe for Expansion: Leadership, Community and A Vision for 1,000 Cafés by 2030

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Seniors Helping Seniors®

Franchisee Spotlight with Billy and Anita Clark and Seniors Helping Seniors

Heart and Purpose: Couple Launch Seniors Helping Seniors® Franchise in Northern Arizona

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Number of Women in Franchising Has Grown Each Year Since 2016

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