Why Gender Parity In Entrepreneurship Matters

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As Claudia Valladares, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Impact Hub Caracas says, gender parity in entrepreneurship is not just a moral imperative but a crucial driver of economic growth and innovation.

She goes on to say, that despite significant progress in promoting gender equality globally, women remain underrepresented in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum, closing gender gaps in economic participation and opportunity will take over 134 years if current trends persist. Bridging these gaps is essential to fostering inclusive economies.

Gender parity in entrepreneurship matters to unlock the untapped potential of women, half the world's population.

Today in Global Small Business: Laurel Delaney's Global Trade Trends Report 2025 (wegginar® 1/8/25)

©Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Poise your global business for growth in 2025 by attending Laurel Delaney's Global Trade Trends Report 2025 wegginar® on 1/8/25 (free of charge and learn what's important as you navigate the new global landscape).  Register here.
• 2025:  A year of logistics volatility.
• Quote of the week: “One thing we have lost, that we had in the past, is a sense of progress, that things are getting better. There is a sense of volatility, but not of progress." – Daniel Kahneman
• Top 5 risks for 2025: U.S. uncertainty, global trade war, digital attacks.
• BRICS+ and the redefinition of global trade in 2025.
• Redefining global trade and economic growth in 2025. 

The Largest Exporters in the World

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Exports play an important role in the global economy, serving as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and international cooperation. 

Thanks to the evolution of international trade, the effects of globalization, and progress in technology, global trade has increased by around 300% over the last 20 years. 

And using data obtained from the World Bank, you can see the world's top exporters by country and their top exports, such as petroleum, cars, and medication.

Take a journey – a pictorial – of the largest exporters in the world.

SBA Turns 70

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For seven decades, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been a driving force behind the success of countless enterprises, from America’s Main Streets to manufacturing centers and innovation hubs, helping entrepreneurs turn good ideas into thriving global small businesses.

Delivering the American dream of business ownership to more Americans – SBA has punched above its weight in advancing American innovation, competition and economic growth.

Let's raise our hands to applaud the SBA and celebrate all of its successes and successes afforded to American entrepreneurs.  When entrepreneurs succeed, our economy and our nation succeeds.

Slowing Global Demand and a Strong Dollar Pushed U.S.A. Goods Exports to a Seven-Month Low

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Slowing global demand and a strong dollar pushed goods exports to a seven-month low, suggesting that trade could be a drag on economic growth this quarter (fourth quarter 2022) if the trend persists.

The recent report from the Commerce Department, which followed on the heels of recent upbeat news on the economy ranging from consumer spending, the labor market to the services industry, did not change perceptions that the economy had got off to a solid start in the fourth quarter.

Read more about how the U.S. trade deficit has widened.

Empowering Women Lifts the World

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) research has consistently underscored the benefits of equality, including greater productivity and financial stability. To mark International Women’s Day – celebrating the entire month – IMF presents a roundup of their most recent blogs, podcasts, and research on gender.

Check out how empowering women supports economic growth.

Youth Entrepreneurship Has the Capacity to Contribute to Economic Growth

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One of the most pressing and challenging issues facing the global community is youth unemployment, particularly in the developing world.

Rates of youth unemployment are the highest across the Middle East and North Africa region, around 30 percent, and close to 17 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the micro and macro consequences loom: stunted economic growth, poverty, migration, crime, and poor health, among many others.

Young people in the developing world are some of the most entrepreneurial, a key booster to economic growth through the introduction of innovative technologies, products, and services.

"With access to money, mentors, and markets youth entrepreneurship has the capacity to contribute to economic growth, catalyze new industries, and  support individuals, families, and communities," says Nicole Goldin, a nonresident senior fellow in the Atlantic Council’s Global Business and Economics Program and director and lead economist, Economic Participation at FHI 360.

Learn more about what youth entrepreneurs need to succeed.

Promoting Job Creation and Economic Growth in Rwanda

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IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, made a $10 million investment to I&M Bank (Rwanda), which will focus on supporting smaller businesses operating in Rwanda’s tourism, agriculture, and trade and commerce sectors, the backbone of economic growth in the country.  By lending to small businesses, IFC+I&M Bank are promoting job creation and economic growth in Rwanda.

SMEs account for 98 percent of all businesses in Rwanda, and contribute more than half of its total gross domestic product.

Read more here.

The Noisy Driver of Economic Growth: Exports

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Oh come on now ... really?

Much of the rise in exports is a consequence of domestic problems. The value of the dollar has declined, so that foreigners save money when they buy American. Businesses, struggling to find customers here, are focusing on foreign sales. And a boom in commodity prices, which has raised the price of life for most Americans, has produced a windfall for those who trade in commodities.

Read the entire outlook here.  As always, the comments are intriguing (like the one shown above).

Gear Up For Globalization: Answers From Real People

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Question from:

Laurel Delaney, Founder and President, GlobeTrade:

"Do you think Ex-Im Bank will cut back or be more willing to extend loans to SMEs (that qualify on exports) this year in light of a possible recession?"

Answer from:

Chad Moutray, Chief Economist & Director of Economic Research, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy:

"Small businesses are increasingly sophisticated global players who are able to spot opportunities, whether these are found in their local communities or across the globe. The depreciated dollar has given entrepreneurs -- many of whom had not looked at the export market before -- a golden opportunity to pursue sales abroad."

Regarding the possibility of a downturn, Moutray referred us to this study (be prepared for an immediate PDF file download) by Craig and Kohlhase that had been released in December 2006. Note the research summary's overall finding: "Small firms play a vital role in maintaining economic growth in urban areas."

Moutray does not follow the movings of the Ex-Im Bank so there was no comment on the loan policy.

Sign up for Advocacy's ListServ here.

Add on from LD (1/26/08): Interesting "definition" of Export-Import (Exim) Bank at Answers.com.