According to the World Bank, women represent 38.8% of all entrepreneurs worldwide. This figure has steadily grown over the past few decades, driven by increased access to education and capital, changing societal attitudes, and the rise of technology and remote work opportunities.

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Statistics related to women in business refer to quantitative data and metrics that provide insights into women's participation, performance, and experiences in various business roles and industries. Tracking these statistics is essential for understanding the current state of gender equality in the business world, identifying areas for improvement, and measuring progress over time.

Women in business can be categorised into various roles, such as entrepreneurs, small business owners, corporate employees, managers, executives, and CEOs. In this article, we will explore different types of statistics related to women in business, including their ages, occupations, and the countries with the highest representation of women in business.

What is the Purpose of Tracking Statistics Related to Women in Business?

The main purpose of tracking statistics related to women in business is to promote gender equality and drive positive change in the business world. By collecting and analysing data on women's participation and performance in various business roles, important institutions such as governments, non-profits, and research organisations can:

• Identify barriers and challenges facing women in business
• Develop targeted policies and programs to support women entrepreneurs and professionals
• Measure progress towards gender equality goals and benchmarks
• Raise awareness about the contributions and successes of women in business
• Encourage more women to pursue careers in business and entrepreneurship

What is the Importance of Knowing Statistics Related to Women in Business?

From an economic and evolutionary standpoint, knowing statistics related to women in business is crucial for driving growth, innovation, and social progress. Research has shown that gender diversity in business leads to:

• Increased productivity and financial performance
• More innovative and inclusive products and services
• Better decision-making and risk management
• Positive social and economic impacts on families and communities

According to a report by McKinsey & Company, if women and men participated equally in the global economy, it could add $28 trillion (26%) to the annual global GDP by 2025. This highlights the tremendous untapped potential of women in business and the importance of tracking and supporting their participation and success.

How Have Women's Roles in Business Evolved?

Women's roles in business have undergone significant changes over the past century, mirroring broader shifts in societal attitudes and norms. Here are some key milestones:

• Early 1900s: Women enter the workforce in more significant numbers, primarily in low-paying, "feminine" roles such as secretaries, teachers, and nurses.
• The 1920s-1940s: Women made gains in homemade education and professional careers but faced widespread discrimination and often resigned to supporting roles.
• The 1950s-1960s: Women's participation in the labour force increased but continued to decrease until women were excluded from top leadership positions and faced significant gender gaps.
• 1970s-1980s: The women's rights movement leads to important legislation such as the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibit gender-based discrimination in employment.
• 1990s-2000s: Women make significant strides in business, with increasing representation in management and entrepreneurship. However, they still face challenges such as the glass ceiling, sexual harassment, and work-life balance issues.
• 2010s-present: Women's participation in business continues to grow, with a focus on closing the gender gap in leadership roles and STEM fields. The #MeToo movement sheds light on ongoing issues of workplace harassment and discrimination.

Today, women make up 47% of the global workforce and are starting businesses more than ever. However, they still face significant disparities in PD representation in top leadership positions. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it will take another 257 years to close the global gender gap in economic participation and opportunity.

What is the Impact of Women in Business?

The impact of women in business is significant and far-reaching, with women-owned businesses contributing $1 trillion to the global economy each year. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, women-owned businesses account for 37% of all businesses worldwide, generating $1 trillion in annual revenue.

In addition to their direct economic contributions, women-owned businesses have positive social and environmental impacts. Research has shown that women entrepreneurs are more likely to prioritise social and environmental goals alongside financial ones, leading to more sustainable and inclusive business practices.

Women in corporate leadership roles also significantly impact culture. A study by Credit Suisse found that companies with more women in leadership positions tend to outperform those with fewer women leaders, with higher returns on equity, higher valuations, and better stock performance. Women leaders are also more likely to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives, leading to more innovative and equitable workplaces.

How Many Women are Starting Businesses?

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 252 million women started or started running in 2019. This represents a 10% increase from 2018 and a 114% increase from 2012, highlighting the rapid growth of women's entrepreneurship in recent years.

The United States has the highest number of women-owned businesses globally, with women-owned firms generating $1.9 trillion in annual revenue. However, when looking at the percentage of women entrepreneurs relative to the total population, sub-Saharan Africa leads the way, with 26% of women engaged in entrepreneurial activity.

Australia also has a strong track record of women's entrepreneurship, with women representing 34% of all small business owners in the country. This is slightly higher than the global average of 33% but still leaves room for improvement in terms of gender parity.

How Many Women are Starting Businesses in Australia?

https://smallbiztrends.com/women-in-business-statistics/According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were over 10,000-owned businesses in Australia in 2019, representing 34% of all small businesses in the country. This figure has been steadily growing over the increasing cade, with a 46% increase in the number of most common types of businesses started by women in Australia, including:

• Healthcare and social assistance (e.g. childcare, nursing, therapy)
• Professional, scientific, and technical services (e.g. consulting, legal, accounting)
• Retail trade (e.g. clothing, accessories, home goods)
• Accommodation and food services (e.g. restaurants, catering, lodging)
• Personal and other services (e.g. hair salons, pet care, fitness)

What Percentage of Entrepreneurs are Female?

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, women represented 38.8% of all entrepreneurs worldwide in 2019. This figure has been steadily increasing over the past decade, with a 10% increase in the number of women entrepreneurs since 2009.

However, the percentage of women entrepreneurs varies significantly by region and country. In North America, women represent 46% of all entrepreneurs, while in Europe they represent 34%. In Latin America and the Caribbean, women represent 41% of entrepreneurs, while in the Middle East and North Africa they represent just 18%.

It's worth noting that while the number of women entrepreneurs has been growing faster than men in recent years, there is still a significant gender gap in entrepreneurship. According to the World Economic Forum, men are 20% more likely than women to start a business, and male-owned companies tend to have higher revenues and more employees than women-owned businesses.

What is the Ratio of Male and Female Entrepreneurs?

Globally, the ratio of male to female entrepreneurs is approximately 1.6 to 1, meaning that for every ten male entrepreneurs, there are six female entrepreneurs. However, this ratio varies significantly by region and country.

In Australia, the ratio of male to female entrepreneurs is approximately 2 to 1, meaning that for every 10 male entrepreneurs, there are 5 female entrepreneurs. This is slightly better than the global average but still indicates a significant gender gap in entrepreneurship.

Are Female Entrepreneurs More Successful Than Male?

Success in entrepreneurship can be defined in various ways, such as profitability, growth, longevity, or social impact. When looking at these metrics, research suggests differences in the success rates of male and female entrepreneurs, but the results are mixed and vary by context.

According to a US Chamber of Commerce study, women-owned businesses tend to have lower revenues and fewer employees than male-owned businesses. Still, they also tend to have higher survival rates and report higher satisfaction levels with their work-life balance. The study found that 77% of women-owned businesses were still operating after five years, compared to 71% of male-owned businesses.

However, other studies have found that women entrepreneurs face unique challenges that can impact their success, such as limited access to funding, networks, and mentorship. A report by the OECD found that women entrepreneurs tend to start businesses with less capital than men, and are less likely to seek external financing due to factors such as risk aversion and discrimination.

Ultimately, the success of individual entrepreneurs depends on a complex mix of factors, including their skills, resources, industry, and context. While there may be some general trends in the success rates of male and female entrepreneurs, it's essential to recognise the diversity and potential of women entrepreneurs and to support their unique needs and challenges.

What is the Ratio of Male and Female Entrepreneurs in Australia?

In Australia, the ratio of male to female entrepreneurs is approximately 2 to 1, meaning that for every ten male entrepreneurs, there are five female entrepreneurs. This ratio has been slowly improving over the past decade, with the number of women entrepreneurs growing faster than men.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of women-owned businesses in Australia increased by 46% between 2009 and 2019, compared to a 27% increase in the number of male-owned companies during the same period. However, women still represent just 34% of all small business owners in Australia, indicating a persistent gender gap in entrepreneurship.

What Percentage of Entrepreneurs are Mums?

"mumpreneur" refers to a mother who runs a business while raising children. While there is limited global data on the percentage of mums entrepreneurs, some studies suggest that mums represent a significant and growing segment of the entrepreneurial population.

In the United States, a National Association of Women Business Owners survey found that 79% of women entrepreneurs have children under 18 living at home. Another study by the Kauffman Foundation found that women with children are more likely to start businesses than women without children, possibly due to factors such as flexibility and work-life balance.

In Australia, a report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that 38% of women small business owners have dependent children, compared to 33% of men small business owners. This suggests that mums represent a significant portion of the entrepreneurial population in Australia, and may face unique challenges and opportunities in balancing business and family responsibilities.

What Percentage of CEOs and Managers are Female?

CEOs, or chief executive officers, are the highest-ranking executives in a company, responsible for. They make major corporate decisions, manage overall operations, and serve as the main point of communication between the board of directors and the rest of the organisation. Managers are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of a team or department and may report to higher-level executives such as CEOs.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, women held just 29% of senior management roles globally in 2019 and just 7% of CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies. While these figures represent an improvement from previous years, they highlight the persistent underrepresentation of women in top leadership positions.

The percentage of women in CEO and management roles varies significantly by industry and region. In the United States, women represent 40% of managers in the healthcare industry but just 19% of managers in the construction industry. In Europe, women represent 36% of managers overall but just 12% of managers in the transportation industry.

What is the Ratio of Male and Female CEOs and Managers?

Globally, the ratio of male to female CEOs is approximately 13 to 1, meaning that for every 13 male CEOs, there is just one female CEO. For senior management roles, the ratio is slightly better at 2.4 to 1, meaning that for every ten male senior managers, there are four female senior managers.

In Australia, the ratio of male to female CEOs is approximately 19 to 1, meaning that for every 19 male CEOs, there is just one female CEO. For senior management roles, the ratio is 2.6 to 1, meaning that for every 10 male senior managers, there are 4 female senior managers.

These ratios have been slowly improving over the past decade, but progress has been slow and uneven across industries and regions. According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, the representation of women in CEO roles in Australia increased from 17% in 2013-14 to 19% in 2020-21, while women in senior management roles increased from 30% to 34% during the same period.

Are Female CEOs More Successful Than Male?

Success for CEOs can be defined in various ways, such as company performance, shareholder returns, employee satisfaction, or social impact. When looking at these metrics, research suggests differences in the success rates of male and female CEOs, but the results are mixed and depend on the context.

According to a study by S&P Global, companies with female CEOs tend to have better environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores than companies with male CEOs, indicating a greater focus on sustainability and social responsibility. The study also found that companies with female CEOs tend to have higher profitability and stock performance than companies with male CEOs, although the differences were not statistically significant.

However, other studies have found that female CEOs may face unique challenges and biases that can impact their success. A report by the Rockefeller Foundation found that female CEOs are more likely than male CEOs to be appointed to companies that are already in crisis or decline, a phenomenon known as the "glass cliff". This can make it more difficult for female CEOs to turn around company performance and achieve success.

Ultimately, the success of individual CEOs depends on a complex mix of factors, including their skills, experience, industry, and context. While there may be some general trends in the success rates of male and female CEOs, it's essential to recognise women leaders' diversity and potential and support their unique needs and challenges.

What is the Ratio of Male and Female CEOs and Managers in Australia?

In Australia, the ratio of male to female CEOs is approximately 19 to 1, meaning that for every 19 male CEOs, there is just one female CEO. This ratio has been slowly improving over the past decade, with the representation of women in CEO roles increasing from 17% in 2013-14 to 19% in 2020-21.

The management ratio for front roles in senior management is 2.6 to 1, meaning that for every ten male senior managers, there are four female senior managers. The representation of women in senior management roles has also been increasing over the past decade, from 30% in 2013-14 to 34% in 2020-21.

However, these ratios vary significantly by industry and company size. According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, women represent just 12% of CEOs in the construction industry but 33% of CEOs in the healthcare and social assistance industry. Women are also more likely to hold CEO and senior management roles in smaller companies than in larger companies.

What Percentage of CEOs and Managers are Mums?

While there is limited data on the percentage of CEOs and managers who are mums, some studies suggest that motherhood can significantly impact women's career trajectories and leadership opportunities.

According to a report by the Australian Human Rights Commission, 49% of mothers reported experiencing discrimination in the workplace at some point during pregnancy, parental leave, or on return to work. This discrimination can take many forms, such as being denied promotions, given less challenging work, or made redundant.

A study by the University of Melbourne found that women who take more than one year of maternity leave are less likely to be promoted to management roles than women who take less than one year of leave. The study also found that men's careers taking parental leave does not similarly impact men's career challenges; there are many successful examples of mums in CEO and management roles. In Australia, some notable examples include:

• Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO of Virgin Australia and mother of two
• Shemara Wikramanayake, CEO of Macquarie Group and mother of two
• Christine Holgate, former CEO of Australia Post and mother of four

These examples demonstrate that mums can achieve high-level leadership roles but may face unique challenges and biases along the way. Supporting mums in the workplace through policies such as flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and anti-discrimination protections can help to create more inclusive and equitable pathways to leadership.

What Industries Have the Highest Prevalence of Female Entrepreneurship?

According to a report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the industries with the highest prevalence of female entrepreneurship globally are:

1. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing (36.2%)
2. Wholesale and retail trade (33.3%)
3. Government, health, education, and social services (30.8%)
4. Personal and consumer services (30.6%)
5. Information and communications technology (29.9%)

However, the prevalence of female entrepreneurship varies significantly by region and country. In sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture is the most common industry for women entrepreneurs, while wholesale and retail trade is the most common in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the Middle East and North Africa, government, health, education, and social services have the highest prevalence of female entrepreneurship.

In Australia, the industries with the highest prevalence of female entrepreneurship are:

1. Healthcare and social assistance (54.2%)
2. Education and training (50.5%)
3. Retail trade (47.6%)
4. Accommodation and food services (46.1%)
5. Other services (45.6%)

These figures highlight the importance of female entrepreneurship in service-based industries that often involve care work and social impact. However, they also reveal the underrepresentation of women in sectors such as mining, construction, and manufacturing, which tend to be male-dominated and have higher barriers to entry for women.

Which Country Has the Most Female Entrepreneurs?

According to the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, the top 10 countries with the highest percentage of female entrepreneurs are:

1. Uganda (39.6%)
2. Botswana (38.5%)
3. Ghana (37.9%)
4. Russia (35.1%)
5. Malawi (34.6%)
6. Angola (34.4%)
7. Nigeria (33.3%)
8. Ecuador (32.6%)
9. Vietnam (31.3%)
10. Philippines (30.7%)

These figures highlight the strong representation of women entrepreneurs in developing economies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. However, it's important to note that these countries also tend to have high rates of informal entrepreneurship and may lack supportive policies and resources for women-owned businesses.

Which Country Has the Fewest Female Entrepreneurs?

According to the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, the bottom ten countries with the lowest percentage of female entrepreneurs are:

1. Saudi Arabia (1.6%)
2. Egypt (2.0%)
3. Iran (2.1%)
4. Algeria (2.3%)
5. Jordan (2.4%)
6. Lebanon (2.4%)
7. Yemen (2.5%)
8. Syria (2.7%)
9. Kuwait (2.9%)
10. Oman (3.0%)

These figures highlight the significant barriers to female entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa region, where cultural and legal restrictions often limit women's economic participation and access to resources. However, it's important to note that these figures may not capture the extent of entrepreneurial activity in these countries, as many may operate informally or in home-based businesses.

What are the Statistics Related to the Gender Pay Gap?

The gender pay gap is the difference in average earnings between men and women in the workforce, typically expressed as a percentage of men's earnings. The gender pay gap can be calculated on various bases, such as hourly, weekly, or annual earnings. It can be broken down by age, occupation, industry, and location factors.

According to the World Economic Forum, the global gender pay gap is estimated to be 37%, meaning that women earn 63% of what men earn on average. However, this figure varies significantly by country and region.

The countries with the highest gender pay gaps are:

1. Yemen (49.8%)
2. Algeria (47.2%)
3. Pakistan (46.5%)
4. Iran (45.1%)
5. Lebanon (44.2%)

These figures highlight the significant economic disparities facing women in many parts of the Middle East and North Africa, where cultural and legal barriers often limit women's access to education, employment, and financial resources.

Which Country Has the Highest Gender Pay Gap?

According to data from the OECD, the countries with the highest gender pay gaps among full-time employees are:

1. South Korea (34.1%)
2. Japan (23.5%)
3. Israel (21.8%)
4. Latvia (21.2%)
5. Chile (21.1%)

It's worth noting that these figures are based on full-time earnings and may not capture the full extent of the gender pay gap, as women are more likely than men to work part-time or in low-paid industries.

What is the Gender Pay Gap in Australia?

According to data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, the national gender pay gap in Australia is currently 13.4%, meaning that women earn 86.6% of what men earn on average. This figure has declined from 17.4% in 2014, but progress has been slow and uneven across industries and occupations.

The industries with the highest gender pay gaps in Australia are:

1. Financial and insurance services (26.9%)
2. Professional, scientific, and technical services (23.7%)
3. Health care and social assistance (21.7%)
4. Arts and recreation services (20.5%)
5. Rental, hiring, and real estate services (20.3%)

These figures highlight the persistent economic disparities facing women in Australia, even in industries with high levels of female participation, such as healthcare and social assistance. Closing the gender pay gap will require a concerted effort from government, employers, and individuals to address the underlying causes of gender inequality in the workforce.

What are the Future Statistics for Women in Business?

Looking to the future, several projections suggest continuous growth and progress for women in business and ongoing challenges and opportunities for improvement.

According to a report by McKinsey & Company, if women's economic participation were to reach parity with men's by 2025, it could add $28 trillion (26%) to the global annual GDP. This highlights the significant untapped potential of women's entrepreneurship and leadership and the economic benefits of gender equality in business.

The report also projects that by 2025, women could account for:

• 30% of global corporate board seats (up from 17% in 2019)
• 35% of senior management roles (up from 29% in 2019)
• 40% of small business ownership (up from 33% in 2019)

However, achieving these goals will require significant progress in addressing the barriers and biases facing women in business, such as:

• Unequal access to education, training, and capital
• Discrimination and harassment in the workplace
• Lack of mentorship and sponsorship opportunities
• Inflexible work arrangements and lack of childcare support
• Cultural and societal expectations around gender roles and leadership

Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role in creating more inclusive and equitable environments for women in business. This can include policies and programs such as:

• Investing in girls' education and women's entrepreneurship programs
• Implementing gender diversity targets and reporting requirements for businesses
• Providing mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs
• Offering flexible work arrangements and parental leave policies
• Addressing unconscious bias and promoting inclusive leadership practices

We can create a more prosperous and equitable future for all by working together to support and empower women in business.

How Many Women Decide to Become Entrepreneurs Each Year?

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 252 million women started or started running in 2019. This represents a 10% increase from 2018 and a 114% increase from 2012, highlighting the rapid growth of women's entrepreneurship in recent years.

However, the number of women starting businesses yearly varies significantly by region and country. In North America, an estimated 17.7 million women were starting or running new businesses in 2019, while in Europe, inure was 13.8 million. In Latin America and the Caribbean, an estimated 27.7 million women were starting or running new businesses, while in the Middle East and North Africa, the figure was just 2.7 million.

These figures highlight the diverse experiences and opportunities for women entrepreneurs worldwide and the ongoing challenges and barriers to entry in many regions.

What is the Success Rate of Female Entrepreneurs?

Success in entrepreneurship can be defined in various ways, such as profitability, growth, longevity, or social impact. According to a US Chamber of Commerce report, women-owned businesses tend to have higher survival rates than male-owned businesses, with 77% still operating after five years, compared to 71% of male-owned businesses.

However, women entrepreneurs also tend to face unique challenges that can impact their success, such as limited access to funding, networks, and mentorship. According to An OECD report, entrepreneurs tend to start businesses with less capital than men and are less likely to seek external financing due to factors such as risk aversion and discrimination.

The industries with the highest success rates for women entrepreneurs vary by region and country but tend to include service-based sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail. In Australia, women-owned healthcare and social assistance businesses have a five-year survival rate of 75%, compared to 60% for all sectors.

Ultimately, entrepreneurs' success depends on a complex mix of factors, including their skills, resources, industry, and context. Supporting women entrepreneurs through targeted policies, programs, and resources can help level the playing field and create more opportunities for success.

How to Increase Chances of Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur

Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires a combination of skills, resources, and support. One of the most critical factors in increasing the chances of success is access to a supportive community and coaching resources.

According to a report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, women entrepreneurs who participate in entrepreneurship education and training programs are more likely to start and grow successful businesses than those who do not. Networking and mentorship opportunities can also provide valuable connections, advice, and support throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

A study by the UPS Store found that small business owners who receive mentoring report higher revenues and increased business growth compared to those who do not. Expressly, 70% of mentored businesses survive past the five-year mark, compared to just 35% of non-mentored businesses.

Coaching and mentoring can provide entrepreneurs with personalised guidance and support in areas such as:

• Developing a business plan and strategy
• Identifying and accessing funding and resources
• Building a strong team and company culture
• Navigating challenges and setbacks
• Scaling and growing the business over time

Joining a community of like-minded entrepreneurs can also provide valuable benefits, such as:

• Sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices
• Collaborating on projects and initiatives
• Providing accountability and motivation
• Celebrating successes and milestones together

By accessing coaching, mentoring, and community support, women entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success and make a meaningful impact in their industries and communities.

How Does a Business Coach Help You Become a Successful Entrepreneur?

A business coach provides personalised guidance and support to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses. Business coaches typically have experience in entrepreneurship and business management and can offer a range of services and expertise depending on the individual entrepreneur's needs.

Some of the key ways that a business coach can help entrepreneurs become successful include:

• Clarifying business goals and developing a strategic plan to achieve them
• Identifying and overcoming obstacles and challenges to growth
• Providing accountability and motivation to stay on track and make progress
• Offering objective feedback and perspective on business decisions and performance
• Connecting entrepreneurs with resources, networks, and opportunities for growth
• Helping entrepreneurs develop their leadership and management skills
• Providing ongoing support and guidance as the business evolves over time

Business coaching can be particularly valuable for women entrepreneurs, who may face unique challenges and barriers in starting and growing their businesses. A coach who understands women's specific needs and experiences is recommended for support and guidance to help them succeed.

Some of the benefits of working with a business coach as a woman entrepreneur include:

• Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence in leadership abilities
• Navigating work-life balance and managing competing demands on time and energy
• Addressing gender bias and discrimination in business and entrepreneurship
• Building a strong network of supportive mentors, peers, and allies
• Developing a unique value proposition and competitive advantage in the market
• Scaling the business sustainably and profitably over time

Ultimately, the role of a business coach is to help entrepreneurs achieve their full potential and make a meaningful impact through their businesses. By providing personalised guidance, support, and accountability, coaches can help women entrepreneurs overcome challenges, build their skills and confidence, and create successful and fulfilling ventures.

In conclusion, the statistics and trends related to women in business reveal both the significant progress that has been made in recent years and the challenges and opportunities for growth and equality. Women entrepreneurs and leaders are making meaningful contributions to the global economy and society but still face barriers and biases in many industries and regions.

To support and empower women in business, it is essential to invest in education, mentorship, and community-building initiatives that provide the skills, resources, and networks needed for success. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role in creating more inclusive and equitable environments for women to thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders.

By tracking and analysing the statistics related to women in business, we can identify areas for improvement and celebrate the achievements and potential of women around the world. With continued effort and collaboration, we can create a future where women have equal opportunities to start, grow, and lead successful businesses and positively impact their industries and communities.

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