Sharon is the President of Small Business and Head of Specialty Banking & Lending, as well as a member of the company’s management operating committee. In addition, Miller oversees Specialty Lending (Mortgage, Home Equity, Card, Auto), including the lending officers dedicated to supporting Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Bank of America Private Bank clients. Under her leadership, Bank of America has been recognized as the #1 small business lender and has consistently retained and grown its #1 business deposit market share. During her tenure, small business has been recognized as the best digital platform for entrepreneurs with the highest digital adoption amongst clients in the industry.
While the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 removed certain barriers, including ones that prevented women from accessing capital equally, there are still residual effects that make business ownership challenging for women. For example, approximately just 12% of decision-makers at VC firms are women, which contributes to a lack of understanding and connection with lenders.
Women are starting businesses in unprecedented numbers, but they still face barriers when it comes to obtaining funding. Of total small business loan dollars given out, only 4% go to women.