You may be familiar with the success stories of Spanx, GoldieBlox, and other women-owned businesses that have taken their markets by storm. But, today, only two percent of women-owned firms generate more than one million dollars annually. The Next Wave, a new book by Susan Coleman and Alicia Robb is here to help women drive up that number.
Drawing on the Kauffman Firm Survey and many other sources, Susan Coleman and Alicia M. Robb cull together data-driven advice for women-owned, growth-oriented businesses as they finance their expansion. They not only consider the unique approaches and specific concerns of female business owners, but also take into account the growing pool of investors who will play a role in selecting and grooming a new generation of women entrepreneurs. Since growth-oriented firms typically require external capital, the investor perspective is critical. Telling entrepreneurs what the research means for them, outfitting them with resources, and illustrating the road ahead with real world cases, this book serves as a pioneering strategy guide for the next wave of women who want to "go big" to bring home their goals.
Author Quotes
Another motivator for growth-oriented women entrepreneurs is the opportunity for recognition as a leader in their field at either a national or even an international level. Beyond the firm, leadership roles allow women to shape the direction of their industries and provide input on key issues such as legislation, regulations, and public policy, all of which will have an impact on them.
Like well-known male entrepreneurs such as Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, women entrepreneurs want to be recognized as “movers and shakers.” They want to be taken seriously, and they believe they have earned that right.
About the authors
Susan Coleman is Professor of Finance at the University of Hartford's Barney School of Business. She is co-author of Creating the Social Venture (2015) and A Rising Tide (Stanford, 2012).
Alicia M. Robb is Senior Fellow with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Colorado, Boulder. An angel investor and mentor to young firms, Alicia is co-author of Race and Entrepreneurial Success (2010) and A Rising Tide (Stanford, 2012).
Why LoA loves it….
The idea of going big can be hugely attractive from a business perspective on the one hand, but scary territory on the other. In this great new book by Susan Coleman and Alicia Robb, they provide some invaluable insights and case studies for women entrepreneurs who are looking to expand into a new growth phase for their businesses. Knowing how to present a compelling business case to potential investors is key, and the book provides a great strategy development resource for accomplishing that goal. A must-read for any woman entrepreneur who wants to go big. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa