Women have become a major entrepreneurial force in the U.S. economy.

Women-owned U.S. businesses are growing. A recent survey revealed that women owned 7.7 million businesses in the nation, providing employment of more than 13.3 million workers.

The latest figures are up from a 1992 report that showed 6.4 million firms owned by women.

The report, prepared by a 13-member committee, working with the National Women's Business Council, said that women entrepreneurs have outperformed U.S. businesses in terms of business startups, revenue grown and employment growth over the past few years. Since January 1993, more than 27,000 women have received more than $3.8 billion in government-guaranteed loans for business.