A spiring female entrepreneurs in China are aiming to grow their businesses through diversification and overseas expansion by leveraging resources from external funding and advisory networks, according to a survey by services firm Ernst & Young (EY).

An overwhelming majority of 90 percent of the 143 respondents said that they plan to scale up their business, with 60 percent planning to grow internationally and 16 percent working toward an IPO. Chinese respondents also indicated that they are open to external financing options and are willing to build a key advisory network.

Experts said these strong, growth-driven ambitions mean that female leaders will help grow many opportunities for professional services providers for consultancy, tax, banking and legal matters.