The latest census data shows women-owned businesses in Georgia surged from 2002 to 2007. In 2007, women owned nearly 280,000 firms in Georgia. That’s up from about 200,000 five years earlier.

The more than 40 percent spike was double the national average. Sectors with the most women-owned businesses were repair, maintenance, personal and laundry services, healthcare and social assistance.

Barbara Jabaley has owned her Atlanta salon for 25 years. Jabaley says women business owners have not had as many obstacles in the vanity industry.

“In the beginning I don’t know if it was hard for me because I was a female or because I was inexperienced. It’s easier now because people are more used to female business owners. You know, it’s not unusual anymore.”

The data show that women owned 30 percent of all Georgia businesses in 2007.

Tags: business, Atlanta, jobs, Barbara Jabaley