fe Minority & Small Business Week Page B2 September 26. 2 00 7 Are Male and Female Entrepreneurs Really That Different? Study looks at variables P r e v io u s r e s e a r c h h a s show n the perform ance o f w om en-ow ned firm s lagging m ale-ow ned firm s on factors such as annual sales, em ploy­ ment growth, income and ven­ ture survival. Reasons for the differences are often hypothesized, but em ­ pirical tests have historically suffered from data with a lim­ ited number of control variables on the motivations and charac­ teristics of the owners. Moreover, many of the previ­ ous studies have suffered from survivor bias as they study ex­ isting (or surviving) businesses. This study seeks to determine w hy a performance difference exists for female- and male- owned ventures. When other factors are con­ trolled for, gender does not af­ fect new venture performance. However, several factors—dif­ ferì ng expectations, reasons for starting a business, motivations, opportunities sought and types o f businesses— vary between the genders, and these result in differing outcomes. Such ob­ servations should be taken into account when comparing the outcom es o f ventures across genders. While gender was shown not to affect new venture perfor­ mance when preferences, m o­ tivation, and expectations were controlled for. the differences observed among m en’s and • W omen were more likely to have positive revenues, but men were more likely to own an employer firm. • Female owners were more likely to prefer low risk/return businesses. • Men spent slightly more time on their new ventures than women. • Male owners were more likely to start a business to make money, had higherexpectations for their business and did more research to identify business opportunities. • Male entrepreneurs were more women's new business ventures larger average household size. likely to found technologically • The educational backgrounds intensive businesses, businesses include the following: • Men had more businessexpe- o f male and female entrepre­ that lose their com petitive ad­ vantage more quickly and busi­ rience priortoopening the busi­ neurs were similar. nesses that have a less geo­ • W omen were less likely than ness and higher expectations. W omen entrepreneurs had a men to purchase their business. graphically localized custom er When other factors are controlled for, gender does not affect new venture performance. However, several factors—differing expectations, reasons fo r starting a business, motivations, opportunities sought and types o f businesses— vary between the genders, and these result in differing outcomes. base. • Male owners spent more ef­ fort searching for business op­ portunities, and this held up when other factors were controlled for. • Differences between women and men concerning venture size and hours are explained by control variables such as prior start-up and industry ex­ perience. • R e se a rc h e rs and policym akers need to under­ stand that studies which do not take into account the differing nature o f men- and w om en- ow ned firm s could result in m isleading results. This report was developed under a contract with the Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy. Twenty-six million Americans work a second job. And they don’t do it for the money. It usually starts small - perhaps running a few errands or preparing some hot meals. Maybe you don’t even see yourself as a caregiver yet. Or sometimes the changes can be more dramatic and sudden. Former “Northeast Spectrum” director Aaron Walker waits near Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Station intersection, one of the busiest intersections in the world, where he often meets with other producers who work in Japan. But as your loved ones age they will need more help. And perhaps you will too. If you currently provide some care for an aging loved one, or expect to do so in the next few years, join AARP Oregon and the Tri-County Caregiving Coalition to learn about the information, services, and resources available to help you in your community. Thinking Ahead: Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007 8:30 am - 2 pm Crow ne Plaza 14811 Kruse Oaks Dr., Lake Oswego, OR 97035 before recently becoming the R aymond R endleman only foreign, let alone A fri­ T he P ortland O bserver can-A m erican, producer to Few can say that they’ve worked in 25 countries before have ever been hired by M u­ sic Japan TV. the age of 30. W orking for this equivalent After directing a cable show of MTV in Japan has taken vital to the local com m unity, Aaron Walker toured the globe W alker far from directing the MMHMMMMMMMBMMMMI Breakfast and lunch served. Space is limited. Call today to reserve a space. RSVP: 1-877-926-8300 (toll Free) The power to make it better. Aaron Walker dreams big with ‘Music Japan TV’ by Help Your Aging Loved Ones and Keep Your Wits -AARP Producer Makes Waves Internationally ■HMHMMMMMHM early ‘90s “Northeast Spec­ tru m " show that d e p ic ted Portland’s minority issues. “ It's a very drastic change, but it’s a culm ination of ev­ erything,” W alker says. “Ev- continued on page H4 ■MMMMMRBHMMMMMMNNRMNMMI Partners for Minority-Owned Businesses T ri-C o u n ty C a re givin g C o a litio n Sponsored by AARP Oregon and Tri-County Caregiving Coalition Multnomah County ADS • Washington County DAVS • Clackamas County Social Services • Department of Human Services To get free caregiving tips, tools and resources, visit w w w .aarp.org/or, call 866-554-5360 or send an e-mail to oraarp@ aarp.org. you The Global Diversity Initia­ tive and the U.S. Commercial Service work closely with other agencies in the federal govern­ ment to support small and mi­ nority-owned companies as they pursue international business opportunities. below provide a wealth of in­ formation and support for the minority business owner, both internationally and domesti­ cally: Minority Business Devel­ opm ent A gency, U .S. D e­ partment of Commerce — The The organizations listed MBDA is a federal agency cre- surprised yourseiT when you discovered your energy and determination to build a successful business. You are an example to future generations that they too, can make their dreams become a reality. Regence recognizes the economic and cultural contributions of minority businesses. We are proud of your success and acknowledge your contribution to the economic development of our community in Portland. Regence Rnomne BunCrr«» Qk