21 Facts and Statistics from 2015 Research Reports

Personal experience and conjecture can only take us so far – but a good businessperson knows that “the facts” speak for themselves, so we’ve compiled updated research from The Kauffman Foundation, The United Nations and the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) to give you an accurate representation of 2015 business, both within the United States and globally. Since thorough research regarding women’s entrepreneurship has only recently become available, we’ve included a large amount of information on the subject. Here are 21 noteworthy facts and statistics from this year:

Statistics from “2015 Kauffman Index of Startup Activity, National Trends“:

1. The Kauffman Foundation’s Startup Activity Index rose in 2015—reversing a downward trend that started in 2010—experiencing the largest year-over-year increase from the past two decades.

2. The rate of new entrepreneurs in the United States increased about 10 percent this calendar year.

3. 80% of new entrepreneurs in the United States were previously employed.

4. Most new entrepreneurs in 2015 were male, making up 63.2% of all new entrepreneurs.

5. Since 1997, the percentage of new female entrepreneurs has fallen from 43.7% to 36.8%.

6. New entrepreneurs in the United States continue to come from many different educational backgrounds.

7. Thirty-three percent of new entrepreneurs are college graduates.

8. The amount of young entrepreneurs (ages 20-34) is on the decline.

9. Immigrant entrepreneurs now account for 28.5% of all new entrepreneurs in the United States.

10. New veteran entrepreneurs continue to be a smaller part of the U.S. entrepreneurial population, mostly reflecting a falling population of veterans.

11. New entrepreneurs in the United States are becoming increasingly diverse, with more than 40% of new entrepreneurs being comprised of African American, Latino, Asian, or other non-white entrepreneurs.

Facts from “United Nations General Assembly – Seventieth Session“:

12. The U.N. General Assembly approved a resolution in September 2015 that strives to achieve the following by the year 2030:

  • Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger globally
  • Protect the planet from degradation
  • Create prosperity through economic, social and technological progress
  • Foster peaceful, inclusive and just societies
  • Address the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable through global partnerships

13. Sustainable Development Goal number eight of the resolution promotes sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, as well as full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Research from the United Nation Women’s Progress Report, “Progress of the World’s Women 2015-16: Transforming Economies, Realizing Rights“:

14. The average global gender pay gap is 24%

15. Higher levels of formal education are associated with better access to formal employment and increased wages for women.

16. Up to 95% of women’s employment in the world’s developing regions is informal.

17. Both employment and social policies are critical in realizing a world with economic and social equality for women.

Insights from “GEM Special Report, Women’s Entrepreneurship 2015“:

18. “Environmental conditions and constraints weigh differently on the sexes. This continues to be the biggest challenge women face worldwide. Subtle biases exist in many societies that suggest women have lower ambitions or are less capable, or that running businesses is inappropriate for them.” (9)

19. Women’s interest in entrepreneurship as a career is highest in African, Latin American and Middle Eastern economies.

20. Thirty-five percent of young women used the Internet to sell products and services, compared to 48% of young men.

21. “In 10 economies, women are as likely as men, or more likely than men, to be entrepreneurs. These economies come from three regions: El Salvador and Brazil in Latin America and the Caribbean; Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines in Southeast Asia; and Zambia, Nigeria, Uganda and Ghana in Africa.” (65)

What important statistics or research should entrepreneurs be aware of? Tell us below (with your citation), and this research could be featured on EO’s social media channels!

Follow us as #EOlooksback on the calendar year during these 31 days of December. We’ll post new pictures, stories, videos and memes every day on: Octane blog, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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