Why It’s Never Been A Better Time To Be A Female Entrepreneur. Plus: Keep Your Focus During Uncertain Times – Forbes

Report on Female Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Recent data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reveals a significant rise in female entrepreneurship worldwide, with approximately 658 million female founders and company owners. This surge aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Female Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development

Amanda Elam, author of GEM’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Report, highlights that women-led businesses contribute substantially to improving health and education outcomes, which supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). These enterprises often create communities that are desirable places to live and work, fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Global Recognition of Women Entrepreneurs

Forbes has published its first-ever standalone global ranking of the world’s 50 richest self-made women, whose combined net worth totals $276 billion. These women exemplify success across diverse sectors and serve as role models for aspiring entrepreneurs, advancing SDG 5 and SDG 8 by promoting gender equality and economic empowerment.

Key Highlights of Female-Led Businesses and Their Impact

Successful Female Entrepreneurs and Brands

• Kimberley Ho, Forbes 30 Under 30 alum, founded Evereden, a skincare brand targeting Generation Alpha. Her company generates $100 million annually, primarily through direct-to-consumer sales, addressing a gap in family skincare innovation. This supports SDG 3 by promoting health and well-being.
• Gail Federici built Color Wow, a hair care brand now approaching a $1 billion valuation, demonstrating female leadership in business growth and innovation.
• Amanda Calabrese and Greta Meyer made their tampon startup, Sequel, the first official tampon sponsor for the Indiana Fever WNBA team, supporting SDG 5 by empowering women through sports and marketing.

Influence of Women in Media and Content Creation

Women influencers such as Alex Cooper, Charli D’Amelio, and Lexi Rivera are among America’s top content creators, collectively earning $853 million last year. Their success encourages entrepreneurship and economic participation among women, contributing to SDG 8 and SDG 10.

Gender Parity Progress and Challenges

1. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, North America leads globally in gender parity, having closed 75.8% of its overall gender gap, particularly in economic participation (SDG 5 and SDG 8).
2. Despite progress, global gender parity remains a century away, indicating the need for continued efforts to achieve SDG 5 and reduce inequalities (SDG 10).

Recommendations for Business and Personal Development

• Reuniting with Former Employers: Returning to previous workplaces can accelerate contribution to mission-critical work due to existing familiarity.
• Protecting Your Commitments: Learning to say no preserves energy and focus, enhancing productivity and impact.
• Maintaining Focus Amid Uncertainty: Employing strategies to combat burnout and distractions can sustain purpose and clarity in work.

Conclusion

The rise of female entrepreneurship is a vital driver for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including gender equality, economic growth, health, and education. Continued support and recognition of women-led businesses will foster inclusive, sustainable development worldwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article highlights the rise of female entrepreneurs worldwide and the importance of women’s entrepreneurship in addressing health and education deficits.
   • It discusses gender parity and economic participation of women, referencing the Global Gender Gap Report 2025.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Focus on entrepreneurship, business growth, and economic opportunities for women.
   • Mentions the economic impact of female-led businesses and the role of women in the workforce.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Women-led businesses contributing to health-related sectors such as skincare and family health products.
   • Reference to health deficits being addressed through women’s entrepreneurship.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Entrepreneurship is linked to addressing education deficits.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.
   • Target 5.a: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, including ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance, and natural resources.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of Female Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
   • The article states there are 658 million female founders and company owners worldwide, which can be used as an indicator of women’s economic participation (related to SDG 5.5 and 8.3).
2. Gender Gap Closure Percentage
   • Reference to North America closing 75.8% of its overall gender gap, as per the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 (indicator for SDG 5.5).
3. Economic Value of Women-led Businesses
   • Collective worth of $276 billion for the world’s 50 richest self-made women, indicating economic impact and growth (related to SDG 8.3 and 8.5).
4. Employment and Sponsorship in Female Sports
   • Example of female athletes and sponsorship deals (Sequel tampon startup sponsoring Indiana Fever), which can be linked to economic participation and empowerment (SDG 5 and 8 indicators).
5. Access to Health-related Products
   • Growth of women-led health and skincare businesses (e.g., Evereden), which can be an indicator of improved access to health and well-being products (SDG 3.8).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: forbes.com