A new study issued by the Small Business Administration (SBA) asks and answers the question, “Are Male and Female Entrepreneurs Really That Different?” Their paper reveals more similarities than dissimilarities; however, the differences may be instructive to those who study ventures between genders.

Motivation: Women are more interested in achieving work-family balance, and in seeking work that is personally fulfilling.

• Effort: Female entrepreneurs invest less time in their businesses.
• Identifying opportunity: Women utilize different sources of information about opportunities.
• Type of business: Women are less likely to be in manufacturing and high-tech businesses.
• Venture size: Women’s start-up businesses are smaller.
• Expectations for performance: Women have less confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and form smaller businesses.
• Start-up problems: Women entrepreneurs face more problems.

The 61-page report contains plenty of data and should stimulate discussion. Download it at www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs309tot.pdf.