Starting, funding and growing a new business has never been easy. The hurdles can be even higher for women, due to widespread misperceptions in the investment capital community about their qualifications, businesses and networks. In High Hopes, High Hurdles five leading consultants to women entrepreneurs offer systematic solutions to the challenges that face everyone who wants to start a new business as well as specific guidance for women facing their own set of obstacles. Unlike competitive books, this one draws on five years of original research, performed as part of the Diana Project-a massive initiative seeking to identify and quantify the obstacles to women owned businesses. The authors review both personal and strategic factors associated with funding, growth and ultimate success, including: the founder’s goals and expertise; financial resources; networks; goal-setting; management team recruitment; strategy; and more. For each, they thoroughly review the nature and sources of the obstacles, why those obstacles might differ for women; and what can go wrong-or right. Most important, they offer practical, concrete strategies and solutions for every obstacle.