1.9% Isn't a Ceiling. It's a Gap.

More women are planning to start businesses this year than ever before. According to an “Entrepreneurship in 2026” survey by QuickBooks, one in four women plan to launch a new business this year. Another 58 percent say they would consider it. 

Only 1.9% of women-owned businesses ever reach $1 million in annual revenue. Not because women aren’t capable, but because the system – and often our own beliefs about money – have held us back.

Imagine if 10% of women-owned businesses hit $1M.  The Women Presidents Organization (WPO) would be fortunate to serve them all!  

That 1.9% isn't a ceiling. It's a gap – and gaps are where organizations like WPO do their best work. Every woman who joins a peer advisory group, finds a mentor, or simply decides her business deserves to be a $1M business is closing that gap, one decision at a time.

The women starting businesses this year don't need permission. They need community, capital, and a peer group that expects them to think bigger. That's what WPO and WPO Chicago is here for.

So here's the real question: What would it take for your business to be one of the 10%?

The Elite Women Presidents Organization (WPO)

Only 1.9 percent of women-owned businesses make it to the $1 million annual revenue mark. But why is this the case, and more importantly, how can women entrepreneurs break through this barrier?

We need to focus on empowering women with the resources, strategies, and mindset shifts to break through this threshold and increase that number. Once you breakthrough, WPO is the organization to join to keep growing. All WPO members generate more than one-million in annual revenue.  Average revenue of member companies is $15.7 million.

More women making $1 million in business means more wealth, influence, and opportunity for women to lead and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.