Women at the Heart of Community Growth: Why the Numbers Matter

When we talk about thriving communities, women are often at the center of the story. Whether as business owners, leaders in the workplace, or community builders, women’s impact is not just visible—it’s measurable. And the numbers tell a powerful story about how women shape local economies and the fabric of our neighborhoods.

Women-Owned Businesses Are Rising

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey, women own 42% of all businesses in the U.S.. Even more striking, women-owned businesses are growing at twice the rate of all businesses nationwide. In Washington state alone, women account for nearly 40% of small business ownership, with industries ranging from retail to professional services to healthcare.

Local economies feel this impact directly. Research shows that for every dollar spent at a women-owned business, 68 cents stays in the local economy—fueling jobs, supporting schools, and sustaining other neighborhood businesses.

Women in the Workforce Drive Change

Women also make up 47% of the U.S. labor force, but in cities like Spokane and other mid-sized communities, their participation often exceeds national averages in healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors—the very systems that keep communities strong.

When women have equal access to advancement, the ripple effect is huge. A McKinsey study found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability. It’s not just good for women—it’s good for business.

The Untapped Potential

Still, the numbers reveal gaps. Women entrepreneurs receive only 2% of venture capital funding nationwide, and women of color face even greater barriers. That means countless ideas, solutions, and innovations that could benefit our communities never get the chance to grow.

Locally, this plays out in limited access to mentorship, networks, and funding opportunities. Yet when women do receive support, they reinvest in ways that strengthen everyone: studies show that women are more likely than men to reinvest profits into their families, employees, and communities.

Why This Matters for Spokane and Beyond

Think about it like this: each new women-owned business is not just another storefront on the block. It’s childcare options that help working parents, it’s local hiring that boosts household income, and it’s leadership that often prioritizes inclusivity and community wellbeing.

Spokane, like many communities, is at a crossroads. Supporting women in business and leadership roles isn’t just about equity—it’s about building resilient local economies where everyone benefits.

The Path Forward

Here’s the bottom line: when women rise, communities rise. The statistics prove it, and the stories around us confirm it. The question isn’t whether women can transform local economies—it’s whether we will invest in the policies, networks, and support systems to make it happen faster.

At HIKE, we believe in creating those trails forward—through mentorship, innovation, and collaboration. Because when we empower women, we empower entire communities.

👉 Join our community of women entrepreneurs, leaders, and allies. Together, we’re not just tracking the numbers—we’re changing them.