Fearless After 40: The Rise of Women-Owned Businesses

By Melissa Lilly

Entrepreneurship has no age limit, and women over 40 are proving it in powerful ways.

Across the country, women are stepping into their second acts with boldness, starting businesses that reflect not just ambition, but also experience, clarity, and purpose. They’re leaving corporate jobs, reinventing themselves after raising families, and turning long-held dreams into successful ventures.

These women aren’t chasing trends. They’re setting them.

The Power of Starting Later

There’s a growing wave of women who are building businesses later in life and thriving while doing it.

Unlike startup founders in their 20s and 30s, women over 40 often bring decades of real-world experience. They’ve managed careers, households, relationships, and setbacks. They’ve learned how to navigate pressure, manage time, solve problems, and stay resilient. Those life skills translate directly into business success.

For many, this season of life brings a new kind of freedom. Whether it’s financial independence, freedom from raising children, or simply the confidence to say, “Why not me?”

And the timing couldn’t be better.

The Numbers Tell the Story

There are over 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S.
Women-owned companies generate $1.9 trillion in annual revenue.
The fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs? Women over 40.

(Source: SBA and NAWBO)

These businesses span every industry from consulting and coaching to retail, food, tech, and finance. Whether it’s a solo startup or a multi-location franchise, these women are carving out their own definitions of success.

What Makes Women Over 40 Exceptional Entrepreneurs

Experience-Based Confidence
They’ve learned to trust their instincts and don’t need outside validation to pursue what matters to them.
Purpose-Driven Mindsets
Many aren’t just building businesses; they’re building legacies. Their work often ties to deeper missions or community impact.
Well-Built Networks
After decades of relationship-building, they tap into personal and professional circles for referrals, support, and collaboration.
Better Work-Life Awareness
They’ve been through burnout and imbalance before, and now they’re choosing businesses that align with their lives, not just their resumes.

It’s Not Too Late…. The Time Is Right

Midlife can be a powerful turning point. For some, entrepreneurship begins with a passion project or side hustle. For others, it’s a leap of faith after a career pivot or personal wake-up call. But one thing is consistent: they’re ready to bet on themselves.

They are proof that you don’t need to be 25, viral, or venture-backed to be successful.

You just need to start.

How to Support Women Entrepreneurs Over 40

Supporting these women is good for the economy, and even better for the community. Here’s how we can help:

Shop women-owned.
Attend their events.
Like and share their social media posts.
Refer them to your friends and colleagues.
Invest in their products, services, or coaching.

Even a simple word of encouragement goes a long way.

By: Melissa Lilly, Native Floridian, Bradenton Resident and Mom.

First-time Entrepreneur at Age 45

Owner: Orange Blossom Coffee and Lilly Loans & Insurance NMLS 1508870

Because courage doesn’t come with age. It comes with experience.

And women over 40 have both.