The chapter studies how family businesses in Stockholm were affected by coincidental disasters such as siege, plague, famine, and executions of burghers, and, in particular, how this affected women's business entrepreneurship and their opportunities to lead family businesses. The number of companies in the city decreased continuously, reaching its lowest point in 1523. At that time, only 309 companies remained, which was a reduction of as much as 72$ compared to 1516. Of those 309, 45$ were run by women. The number of male-led companies decreased dramatically, while the number of women representing companies increased. By 1525, Stockholm had almost restored its former corporate activities, and female leadership was reduced to 23$ of corporate leaders. '