Despite recent encouraging gains, there remains a large gap between women and men when it comes to entrepreneurship. Almost all venture capital-backed businesses are led by men, for example; and the road to startup success is often much more difficult for women, hampered by issues including connections and access to capital. That's why we were so excited to read about Circular Board and Pitch With Purpose, efforts by Houston entrepreneur Carolyn Rodz to educate and empower women entrepreneurs. She's truly a woman investing in women--and helping them invest in themselves and their visions. forbes.com - Carolyn Rodz, the founder of business accelerator Circular Board, is on a relentless drive to help female entrepreneurs change the world.

Rodz, based in Houston, Texas, is heading a major upcoming pitch competition, Pitch with Purpose. The competition is for women whose businesses are fast growing and focused on social good – and female entrepreneurs applying technology and great insight to this aim are expected to play a major part.

Given that in the developing world working women typically invest 90% of their earnings back into their family and community, and that women are more likely to create social enterprises, Rodz says, it is essential to the world to support their entrepreneurship.

Typically, a number of issues hamper female entrepreneurs’ success – including what Rodz has described as a lack of clarity of purpose; how, when and how they choose to access capital; and relationships with mentors and partners.

Empowerment and support are essential in their success. “Women are driving forces of social change,” Rodz tells me.

Read more here.