Economic Autonomy

While South Carolina's women have witnessed real improvements in their economic and social status, barriers to their economic equality remain embedded in the state's social and economic fabric. South Carolina ranks in the bottom third for all states in the Employment and Earnings as well as the Social and Economic Autonomy indices.*

Promoting women's business ownership and self-employment can bring women increased control over their lives and open up important financial opportunities for them.*

Business ownership is one way to close the gender and wage gaps. And entrepreneurship is often a person's best chance of economic independence.

The Alliance's plan to support Economic Autonomy for women:

  • Conduct research to determine the root causes of inequalities for women
  • Identify and advocate for new forms of access to capital for women entrepreneurs
  • Increase women's business ownership
  • Introduce national programs (Make Mine a Million) to South Carolina women business owners
  • Seek new public and private partners to drive innovative solutions

*Source: The Institute for Women's Policy Research. The Economic Status of Women in South Carolina. January, 2008

For additional information, visit these Websites:

2008 The Economic Status of Women in SC by IWPR
2007 Status Report on SC Women Entrepreneurs by Spiro Institute at Clemson University
2007 Women Business Owners and their Enterprises by The National Women's Business Council
2006 Economic Impact Study by Moore School of Business
2006 Capital Access for Women: Profile & Analysis of US Best Practice Programs by The Urban Institute
Small Business Administration
The National Women's Business Council