In 1988, the Women‘s Business Ownership Act was passed in the U.S., eliminating the need for women to have a male cosigner to secure business loans, thereby removing a major legal barrier to women‘s independent business ownership.
As of 2025, 37 years later, women own 42% (nearly 13 million) of all U.S. businesses, employ 12.2 million workers, and generate $2.7 trillion in annual revenue. (National Association of Women Business Owners, U.S. Census Bureau)
Despite their economic impact, women-led startups receive only 2% of venture capital funding (Crunchbase). This disparity persists even though:
- Women-led companies generate 10% more cumulative revenue over five years than male-led ones. (Boston Consulting Group)
- Startups founded by women deliver 78 cents per dollar invested, versus 31 cents for male-founded startups (First Round Capital)
- Public companies with women CEOs outperform those with male CEOs in ROI and stock price growth(S&P Global)
Despite that, women still push forward and I am honored to collaborate with inspiring women-led businesses and startups. Here are some of the trailblazing partners making waves and launching innovative ventures every day.
PAIRGAP
Nikki Merkerson
Nikki Merkerson, an innovator in the real estate sector, introduced the concept of the “Real Estate Prenup” nearly five years ago. Her pioneering idea was aimed at fostering wealth creation within the burgeoning sharing economy. Supported by Techstars and other angel investors, her company has since debuted the market’s first Co-Buying Calculator. This tool is designed to help potential co-buyers evaluate their combined purchasing capabilities.
Expanding her suite of offerings, Nikki has rolled out a product line of customizable co-buying agreements, anticipating the future launch of her investor matching services. Her platform also features a distinctive Real Estate Partner Test, which aligns co-buyers based on personality compatibility. This innovative approach invites users to explore, “What is your Real Estate Personality?” inviting engagement and providing a tailored co-buying experience.
PARKCLEAR
Loan Nguyen
Street parking can be challenging, and receiving a parking ticket is often frustrating. Fashion executive turned entrepreneur, Loan Nguyen, transformed her parking frustrations into a practical solution with her app, ParkClear. Utilizing advanced geolocation technology and artificial intelligence, ParkClear instantly assesses parking availability at your location.
Simply open the app, allow it to detect your position, and receive a straightforward “Yes” or “No” response about whether you can park—eliminating the need to interpret confusing signs. Scheduled to launch in May 2025, Loan Nguyen’s vision is to ensure that no one ever receives a parking ticket again.
ELEVATE YOU CE
Dr. Liza Auciello
Dr. Auciello, founder of Elevate You CE, appreciates the convenience and accessibility of online continuing education, which allows interaction with top mental health professionals nationwide without travel costs.
As a psychologist and nonprofit leader, she’s known for assembling talented teams and offering engaging, high-quality live courses through Elevate You CE. The courses aim to enhance the skills, knowledge, and well-being of mental health professionals, promoting effective, joyful careers.
GHN COMMUNICATIONS
Gina Hernandez
Gina Hernandez is a seasoned leader in Communications and Public Relations, with a 22-year track record of success in the industry, notably with Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies. Renowned for her bespoke operational strategies and exceptional customer service, Gina excels in negotiation and quality management, making her a preferred partner for transformative communication strategies.
Her leadership has fostered strong, culturally diverse teams and robust work cultures, enhancing company reputations and operational efficiency. Gina’s commitment to strategic, sustainable communication practices has earned her multiple awards and paved the way for the founding of GHN Communications.
LA PET-ISSERIE
Jennifer Kang
Refusing to mass market, Jennifer Kang, the Founder and Owner of La Pet-Isserie, aims to franchise the small business model of Mom & Pop shops nationally to provide healthy pet food. From Columbia University to graduating cum laude from Fordham Law School to Big Law, she eventually became ill and adopted pets as part of her healing journey. She discovered that inflammatory foods were keeping her pets unhealthy. Taking action, she created her own line of pet food.
As she marks her fifth year in business, she has expanded into boarding, services, and a specialized pet food line with the primary goal of keeping chemicals out of dogs’ bodies—eliminating antibiotics, hormones, steroids, GMOs, toxic pesticides, synthetic additives, gluten, and processed grains. This organic pet food shop is one of a kind and has plans for future expansion.
BOD! KEMSTRI
Kemi Blake
How can a product effectively address generational trauma, promote a sense of youthfulness, and cultivate peace in life? Meet Kemi Blake, a 43-year-old contortionist in training, coach, speaker, and thought leader. Kemi introduces key techniques to foster peace and manifest one’s desired life, emphasizing tongue posture, postural alignment, incremental movements, and controlled breathing.
Her transformative approach has already made significant impacts, with one notable client moving from homelessness and unemployment to securing a new apartment, obtaining employment, and even starting a business within just three months of participating in her program.