There has definitely been a sharp increase in the number of women run businesses in the past decade or so. Most of this has been made possible due to the relatively easy option of obtaining small business start up loans for women by established lenders and other women’s organizations, which believe in supporting women entrepreneurs. Women no longer have to rely on their spouses or other family members to fund their business ventures. Many financial institutions have specifically designed small business startup loans for women that can help them set up an independent and successful business.