California leads the nation in women-owned businesses, according to a recent study brief from the University of Southern California. Among other important findings, the report states that there are 1.5 million women-led firms in California, more than any other state. Presented during the CalChamber Women’s Leadership Council forum in Sacramento, the study was written specifically for the council.

“The impact of women on California’s economy is undeniable, with nearly 40 percent of all businesses in the state being women-owned,” said Jennifer Barrera, president and CEO of CalChamber. “Women-owned businesses are significant contributors to the state’s economy, having added $580 billion in revenue between 2019–2023. When people talk about business in California, the face of business also includes a large number of successful women.”

The forum brought together elected officials, local influencers and business leaders from across the state. It began with a research presentation by Katherine Aguilar Perez of USC and was followed by a vibrant discussion moderated by Barrera, featuring a panel of dynamic women leaders, including, Dee Dee Myers – Senior Advisor to the Governor and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, Maryam Brown – CEO of SoCalGas and current Chair of the CalChamber Board of Directors, Raji Brar – COO of Countryside Corporation and Co-Chair of the Women’s Leadership Council, Brenda Rejamand – CEO and Founder of BD Tax & Finance Group Inc. and Past Chair of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

“The research is clear — women are making remarkable gains in business ownership and in corporate leadership and board positions,” said Perez. “When women are in executive and leadership positions, it fosters opportunity and growth for women across all levels of business.”

The following steps are suggested to assist women-owned enterprises based on a number of recent thorough reports:

• Encourage California to implement inclusive policies and lower obstacles to women entrepreneurs.
• Continue studies on the needs of women in business and how they affect the business climate in California. 
• Increase women’s access to capital by educating them about investing and financing choices. 
• Provide networks of support for female entrepreneurs and expand contracting opportunities.

“CalChamber is proud to support women in business, and we look forward to ongoing work that incorporates the recommendations that will continue to uplift women in business,” Barrera added.

To strengthen the position of women in business, the California Chamber of Commerce formed the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC), a subcommittee of the CalChamber Board of Directors.  The WLC brings together successful leaders from various industries to increase the visibility and influence of California’s women business leaders. It is chaired by Donna L. Lucas, CEO and founder of Lucas Public Affairs, and is served as vice chair by Raji K. Brar, COO and co-owner of Countryside Corporation.  The council emphasizes the critical roles that women play in the state economy and cultivates relationships with influential state government decision-makers.

About CalChamber

California’s main broad-based business advocacy group to the state government is the California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber). Members include businesses of all sizes and from every industry in California, and they account for one-fourth of all private sector jobs in the state. They offer goods and services to assist companies in adhering to state and federal rules by utilizing our in-depth understanding of laws and regulations. Founded in 1890, CalChamber is a non-profit organization that encourages foreign investment and trade to boost California’s economy and generate employment.