Similarities and Differences WOMEN 57% have post-secondary education Reason for starting: 67% indicate “to work independently, making ideas come true” 34% previously employed in another industry. 2/3 survive the first 3 years.. MEN 47% have post-secondary education Reason for starting: 54% indicate “to work independently, making ideas come true” 25% previously employed in another industry. 2/3 survive the first 3 years.

Myths and reality Women start 1/3 percent of all new businesses in Sweden. 5 percent of businesses are started by a woman and a man together. Women operate businesses in other industries than men... like the labor market

The most common operations for new entrepreneurs WOMEN Consultants (33%) Hairdressers, beauty (15%) Shops (11%) Artist, nursing, etc. (10%) Manufacture (6%) Construction (1%) MEN Consultants (28%) Construction (13%) Manufacture (8%) Shops (7%) Artist, nursing, etc. (7%) Hairdressers, beauty (1%)

Comparing men and women– different or not? WOMEN 64% operate a service company, 27% commercial, and 9% manufacturing. 72% are solo entrepreneurs 60% own a private business 40% own a limited company 66% operate in a local market 37% are over the age of 50 65% want their business to grow. MEN 65% operate a service company, 21% commercial, and 14% manufacturing. 64% are solo entrepreneurs 40% own a private business 60% own a limited company 59% operate in a local market 43% are over the age of 50 63% want their business to grow.

Differences Industry conditions Level of education Generation question?

Threats to growth Attitudes Expectations Self-confidence Role models

Small businesses How do we define a small business, <100, <50 or something else? Very small ”micro” business, 1-4 employees Solo entrepreneurs 68%

Share of businesses in various size classes in Sweden (diagram 2)

Number of employed and share of total employed per size of business Size – number of employedShare of employed 1-927% % % % % Total100%

Distribution by age among small business owners in Sörmland Age distributionWomen in SörmlandMen i Sörmland - 306,32, ,342, ,354,,8

Different viewpoints Difference between ”self-employment” and own business ”Musts” in making a living Self-actualization, ”Develop yourself”

Some reasons to start a business Get away from current employment – entrepreneur / time for the next step Carrying through on your own ideas, building up something of your own and decide things yourself No job – an alternative to employment Just want to be a business owner “Enterprising Women” Our idea is to coach individuals to make their own decision. Some of the people that visit might expect advice - to start/ not to start.

Women who start their own companies have a higher level of education Studies show that two-thirds of all businesses were operational three years after their establishment Businesses led by women and men together got on best.