Women Entrepreneurs Dominate Southern Business Scene

Women entrepreneurs across the American South are experiencing unprecedented growth, with states like Florida and Georgia emerging as powerhouses for female-led businesses. This surge reflects a broader transformation in regional entrepreneurship, where women are redefining business success on their own terms.

Florida leads the nation with 8.77 women-owned businesses per 100 residents, while Georgia follows closely with 5.22. These impressive statistics stem from business-friendly climates and expanding populations that create fertile ground for entrepreneurship. The data, recently updated by LegalZoom, highlights how the South has become America’s entrepreneurial hotspot for women.

Regional Leadership Creates National Impact

Georgia stands out with the smallest gender gap in small business ownership nationwide, boasting a 0.86 ratio of female to male business owners. Meanwhile, cities like Miami (8.85 women-owned businesses per 100 residents) and Atlanta (6.26) dominate urban entrepreneurship rankings. Memphis, Tennessee, makes history as the only major city where female business owners actually outnumber males.

Community Building Drives Success

Organizations like The Southern Coterie, founded by Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long in 2011, have been instrumental in this growth. Their annual retreats sell out quickly, connecting approximately 300 members who prioritize both business excellence and work-life balance. The community has fostered success stories including BURU, a clothing brand reaching $10 million in annual revenue.

Today’s Southern women entrepreneurs are increasingly focused on operational excellence and financial management while pursuing lifestyle-aligned business goals. Rather than traditional scaling models, many choose sustainable growth that allows them to maintain personal fulfillment alongside professional success, representing a fundamental shift in entrepreneurial priorities.