creating self-sufficiency, boosting the economy, and transforming their lives and communities. ✨

 Poverty Rates: In Nashville, 13.3% of women live below the poverty line. For single women, the poverty rate is even higher at 18.7%. Statewide, 15.5% of women in Tennessee experience poverty, exceeding the national average of 13.6%. Single women in Tennessee face a poverty rate of 27.6%, highlighting the economic hardships many encounter.  

 In 2023, women in Tennessee who were full-time wage and salary workers had median usual weekly earnings of $905, significantly below the $1,123 median usual weekly earnings of their male counterparts, resulting in a women's-to-men's earnings ratio of 80.6%. ​ 

 A staggering 82% of business failures are attributed to cash flow problems, highlighting the critical need for effective financial management and access to capital.

 Despite growing startup activity, the rate of women owning established businesses remains lower than that of men. In 2021, the global established business rate for women was 5.5%, compared to 8.1% for men, indicating challenges in sustaining businesses beyond the startup phase. 

 Despite owning 43% of small businesses in the U.S., women entrepreneurs received only 17% of Small Business Administration loans in 2019, reflecting a significant funding disparity.