Nearly 10.4 million U.S. firms are owned (50% or more) by women, employing more than 12.8 million people, and generating $1.9 trillion in sales. Their firms have continued to grow at nearly double the rate of all firms (42% vs. 24%). Women-owned firms, account for 41% of all privately held firms. There are 2.4 million firms owned 50% or more by women of color in the U.S., employing 1.6 million people and generating nearly $230 billion in annual sales. (Center for Media Research Brief 3/3/08)