Despite owning nearly half of all small businesses in the U.S., women often encounter barriers to financing. I've seen from my experience at the SBA and now First Women's Bank, that one of the biggest drivers of the gender lending gap isn't just rejection, it's that many women don't come forward for financing at all. Whether due to lack of awareness, confidence, or systemic hurdles, "access" captures both those who are denied and those who never apply.
I figured my work ethic and expertise would carry the day. And for a while, they did. But what no one tells you - what I learned the hard way - is that you can be doing everything right, and still be broke.