Self-employed women are different from women who don't own businesses, according to a report prepared for the SBA Office of Advocacy. The report, Human Capital and Women’s Business Ownership, covers the years from 1994 through 2006.

The study indicates that self-employed women have more education than other working women. Additionally, they are moving into a more diverse set of industries and away from industries traditionally associated with women.

With more education and new career paths available, women have gained the skills and experiences to become entrepreneurs. In fact, the study shows that differences in education, experience and preparedness are diminishing between male and female entrepreneurs.