In today’s fast-evolving world, the importance of fostering entrepreneurial spirit in young girls and women cannot be overstated.
The 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report, in collaboration with Ventureneer, CoreWoman, and Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), revealed that between 2019 and 2023, women-owned businesses grew at nearly double the rate of male-owned businesses. Even more impressively, from 2022 to 2023, the growth rate surged to 4.5 times that of businesses owned by men. Still, the global representation of women in senior leadership roles has seen only a modest increase, rising from 31.1% in 2016 to 32.2% in 2023.
With trailblazing female leaders like Kamala Harris, Sheryl Sandberg, and countless others breaking barriers, the stage is set for the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
Yet, challenges persist, and it’s up to parents, educators, communities, and businesses to ensure girls and young women have the tools, confidence, and support to succeed in entrepreneurship.
The Importance of Early Inspiration and Representation
One of the key elements in encouraging young girls to consider entrepreneurship is early exposure to role models and relatable success stories. Clare Hutton, the author of American Girl’s 2025 Girl of the Year novel, shares insights on how Summer Summer McKinny’s entrepreneurial journey can resonate with young girls.
“I think the idea of starting and running a business can be intimidating to kids,” says Hutton. “Summer’s journey is about a girl they can relate to with enjoyable interests—animals and baking—that she is able to turn into an actual profitable small business.” Summer’s story breaks down the challenges of entrepreneurship in a way that feels approachable, allowing young readers to imagine themselves doing the same.
The need for relatable role models cannot be understated. According to Dr. Rosina Racioppi, President and CEO of WOMEN Unlimited, “To create more opportunities for young women to see female role models in leadership, schools should consider inviting successful female alumni to share their career journeys.” This visibility can have a profound impact, giving young women the chance to visualize their own futures as entrepreneurs. It’s vital for them to see that success is achievable—not just for others, but for themselves.
Mentorship: A Game Changer for Future Female Entrepreneurs
Mentorship plays a critical role in helping girls and young women build the skills they need to succeed in business. Mentorship doesn’t just offer 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 big role in supporting women’s growth and development in business,” says Dr. Racioppi. “They provide perspectives that are crucial for understanding our business and provide opportunities for feedback.” Through mentorship, young women gain not only guidance but also confidence in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Marina Middleton, Co-Owner & CEO of Create & Cultivate, echoes this sentiment. “A good mentor connects the dots between what you learn in school and what it takes to build something from the ground up,” Middleton emphasizes that we need to make mentorship accessible early on through youth programs and events designed to introduce girls to business leaders and entrepreneurs. “Communities and event facilitators need to create those experiences to make mentorship more accessible from a young age, setting up the next generation for success,” she adds.
To foster entrepreneurship in young women, we must create formal mentorship structures—partnerships between schools, businesses, and community organizations. These programs can connect aspiring 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 gain the skills, networks, and support they need to succeed.
Encouraging Entrepreneurial Thinking from a Young Age
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about developing a mindset focused on creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. Parents, educators, and communities all play a role in fostering this mindset in girls from a young age.
“Parents can serve as their child’s first mentor and role model by encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and resilience,” says Dr. Racioppi. By involving daughters in conversations about work and careers, parents can spark an interest in business and leadership. Similarly, schools can integrate entrepreneurial skills into the curriculum through hands-on projects and student-run enterprises.
Middleton suggests creating safe spaces for girls to express their ideas, take risks, and learn from failures. “Exposure to women-led businesses through field trips, guest speakers, or events helps girls envision themselves as future business leaders,” she says. Creating environments where girls can explore their interests and develop leadership skills is key to building confidence and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Clare Hutton also highlights the importance of nurturing creativity and teamwork in entrepreneurship. “Summer’s business is very much her own, but she has a team she can rely on for support,” she says. In Summer Gets to Work, Summer’s journey isn’t a solitary one—she learns from her aunt, father, and sister and leans 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 mentorship are vital tools for success.
Perseverance and Problem-Solving: Key Traits for Success
One of the most important lessons we can teach young girls is the value of perseverance in overcoming challenges. Entrepreneurship is filled with obstacles, but those who succeed are the ones who don’t give up when faced with setbacks.
Hutton highlights this in Summer’s story, where she faces difficulties in her business and personal life but never gives up. “Summer approaches her business with the same can-do attitude, whether it’s deciding the most appealing way to package the dog treats she’s selling or figuring out how to rearrange her schedule to make time for the kids’ business fair,” says Hutton.
Entrepreneurs are problem-solvers at heart, and girls need to be encouraged to approach challenges with creativity and determination. Whether it’s a minor setback or a major roadblock, teaching young women that every problem has a solution is crucial to building their confidence as future business leaders.
Creating Opportunities for Growth
As we look toward the future, it’s essential to create more opportunities for young women to develop entrepreneurial skills and see themselves as leaders. School programs, community initiatives, and internships with women-led businesses can all provide valuable experiences that inspire girls to pursue entrepreneurship.
One way to foster entrepreneurial thinking is through exposure to leadership roles in corporate life, where innovation and problem-solving are valued. “Seeing women in these roles shows young women that they can be entrepreneurial within an organization,” says Dr. Racioppi. This not only broadens their understanding of business but also opens doors for career growth and leadership opportunities.
In addition, events like Create & Cultivate provide platforms where young women can learn from successful female entrepreneurs. “It’s not just about celebrating the wins,” says Middleton. “It’s crucial to share the stories and lessons learned through the difficult parts.” When young women see the full journey—failures, struggles, and resilience—they learn that success is not a straight line and that stumbling is part of the process.
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Encouraging girls and young women to become entrepreneurs is not just about providing them with the right tools but about creating a culture that values creativity, resilience, and leadership. Through mentorship, exposure to role models, and opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills, we can empower the next generation of business leaders to succeed.
As Clare Hutton reflects on Summer McKinny’s journey, she hopes young girls walk away knowing that “their labor and interests can have financial value, just like adults can” and that they “can pursue their goals and address their problems with logic, perseverance, teamwork, and a creative spirit.”
By fostering these qualities in young women today, we ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for the world of entrepreneurship tomorrow.