From 1977 to 1983, the number of sole proprietorships operated by women increased from 1.9 to 3.3 million. The number of self-employed women--the majority of whom are sole proprietors--continued to grow. In 1982 the median earnings of self-employed women were substantially lower than those of wage and salary women workers and self-employed men. Most women business owners were married with husband present. Three factors were particularly significant in the rapid rise in the number of women-owned businesses: increasing numbers of women who have acquired skills that can be translated into entrepreneurship; more women who are preparing themselves through education and training for business opportunities in expanding fields; and entrepreneurial opportunities provided by the expanding role of small business in the economic growth of the country. Women increased their share of business ownership in each major industry division. Franchising and international trade seemed to offer future opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Home-based work also provided the opportunity for women to combine more effectively the dual responsibilities of work in the paid labor force with family and child care. (YLB)