According to the American Express Open State of Women-Owned Business Report there were more than 8.1 million women-owned businesses in the United States in 2011, generating nearly $1.3 trillion in revenues and employing nearly 7.7 million people.
In addition, between 1997 and 2011, when the number of businesses in the U.S. increased by 34 percent, the number of women-owned firms increased by 50 percent - a rate that's one and a half times the national average.
However, many female entrepreneurs still insist they face a lot of hurdles when it comes to being successful.
"Women entrepreneurs face more challenges than their male counterparts in their journeys towards business success, especially with regard to raising capital," said entrepreneur Jacqueline Baptist.
In order to raise awareness about the difficulties female entrepreneurs encounter, Baptist has joined forces with independent film producer Elizabeth Dell to make a documentary about women-owned businesses.
The film, titled "She Means Business," documents the trials, tribulations and successes of a select few women entrepreneurs. Through their experiences, the documentary explores key issues such as similarities and differences in female-led versus male-led companies, women's access to capital and entrepreneur training and business skills as well as successes and strategies of woman-led businesses.
"Our documentary will be a major step in addressing this inequality by raising the stature of women in business and making their voices heard and this is very important for our economy and our country. Women make great entrepreneurs," said Baptist.
One of the film's advisors, former CEO Judy Robinett, recently told Forbes that in addition to finding financing, female entrepreneurs tend to struggle with confidence, perseverance and a commitment to achieving their goals.
She told the publication that women business owners need to embrace four specific behaviors in order to triumph in the business world. They are accepting and moving forward from failure, increasing self-confidence, asking for what they want and need as well as understanding the importance of relationships, connections and strategies.
Right now, Baptist and Dell are working to raise money in order for the film to be a success. They have already raised more than $20,000, but are 10 percent to their goal.
"We need your support," said author Jess Weiner, who's being featured in the film. "We need you to put your money where your mouth is, where your passion is. So, if you love entrepreneurs, want to learn more about them, if you want to support women owned businesses, give to this film and help it get made"
Those who support the film financially will be able to attend various consultations, power lunches and events focusing on female entrepreneurship.