Characteristics of New Firms: A Comparison by Gender

Based on data from the Kauffman Firm Survey, compares characteristics of the owner, type of business, industry, financing, size, and performance of new firms owned by women and by men. Considers the factors behind women-owned firms' underperformance

Sources of Economic Hope: Women's Entrepreneurship

This report suggests that accelerating female entrepreneurship could have the same positive effect on the U.S. economy that the large-scale entry of women into the labor force had during the 20th century. While women represent more than half of the educated U.S. population, they have far lower levels of participation in growth-oriented entrepreneurship than men do. Women-owned businesses account for only about 16 percent of the nation's employer firms and, among high-growth firms, they typically account for fewer than 10 percent of founders

Environmental Psychology and Urban Green Space: Supporting Place-Based Conservation in Philadelphia, PA

Green space and stormwater infrastructure are of valued importance within the City of Philadelphia, but little research exists on understanding the unique contribution that green spaces can make in developing environmentally-conscious citizens. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, this project aims to explore theoretical components of environmental psychology and place attachment as related to the socioenvironmental benefits of urban green space. Two methods were used in 2013-2014 at one green space with stormwater management on the University of Pennsylvania campus: behavior mapping and a 200-person place attachment survey. An initial conclusion is that few participants have attachment to the space, but this does not inhibit perceptions of its quality and worth. The extensive use of the space indicates ample opportunity for environmental education on green stormwater infrastructure. Further research should be conducted to see if perceptual attachment leads to attitudinal correlates to environmental stewardship of place-centered conservation techniques, like green stormwater infrastructure

Sources of Financing for New Technology Firms: A Comparison by Gender

Based on 2004-07 data, compares the sources of capital, financial strategies, and other firm characteristics of women- and men-owned technology start-ups over four years. Considers factors behind the gender gap in external equity and implications

Unlocking Innovation in Women-Owned Firms: Strategies for Educating the Next Generation of Women Entrepreneurs

In this article we report on the results of a survey of innovative practices in a sample of U.S. firms. Survey results reveal gender differences in the areas of both human and social capital. In the area of human capital, women were less likely to have advanced degrees or senior management experience. In the area of social capital, although a high percentage of women engaged in networking activities, there is some evidence that their networking strategies were less targeted than those of men. Consistent with prior research, women entrepreneurs had lower levels of “selfefficacy” or confidence in their ability to identify and develop innovative ideas. The implications of these findings for the education and training of women entrepreneurs are discussed