New survey suggests women who own businesses are struggling

SALT LAKE CITY — A new survey found that a majority of women in Utah who own their own businesses said the biggest challenges come from balancing life responsibilities and dealing with not being taken seriously.

The survey from the Utah Women and Leadership Project, UWLP, is an update to an earlier study from 25 years ago.

Survey answers showed major challenges for their businesses. 

UWLP asked, “What women-specific barriers or challenges, if any, have you faced in operating or growing your own business?”

Answers included balancing life responsibilities, issues related to gender, lack of resources, and some respondents noted no barriers. 

Even with growth over the last two decades, a majority of women reported they have been in business for less than 5 years. Many also reported they only have one employee, themselves. 

Researchers did note there have been many improvements since they first did this same study, like access to more women-focused professional training.

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