"This book documents the phenomenal growth of women-owned businesses in terms of the effects of globalization, the issue of female equality, and the context of women's empowerment. Coughlin profiles successful entrepreneurs, explaining how they got there, delineating their essential traits, revealing what kinds of businesses they start, and categorizing and explaining their economic and social motivations. The process of business formation is described, along with the challenges women face and their frequently extreme solutions." "A comprehensive resource guide for anyone interested in learning more about female entrepreneurs, and a sample business plan to use in seeking financial aid, are included in an appendix."--BOOK JACKET.