The article looks at the key determinants of female entrepreneurship in Poland in the context of selected countries. The analysis shows that in the light of empirical research the hypothesis about the dominant role of negative motivational factors among Polish businesswomen cannot be supported. The research also indicates that they assess their own entrepreneurial skills relatively well; at the same time, they fear business failure more compared to other countries. For Polish female entrepreneurs independence and self-reliance in the career path is more motivating than the financial aspects of starting a business.