Expanding Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs
“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the SBA’s expanded network of WBCs is meeting new and established women business owners where they are and working to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in funding and growing their businesses,” said Administrator Guzman. “With this funding expansion for WBCs, the SBA will better meet the increased demand stemming from the high rates of entrepreneurship among women under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Small Business Boom. Additionally, key policy changes will allow the SBA to leverage virtual tools to provide resources to more small businesses, prioritize industry gaps in child care, and further advance women in federal contracting.”
These specialized WBCs will join an unprecedented network of 152 in-person WBCs across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eligible applicants must be non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status that provide entrepreneurial development services to women, specifically women in areas that have been socially and economically disadvantaged within the U.S. and its territories.
Eligible organizations selected for this initiative will be awarded up to $150,000 to open and operate a WBC.
Detailed Funding Opportunities
The four funding opportunities announced include:
- Government Contracting Support: Funding to assist women business owners in government contracting, including application readiness for certification in the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Programs, procurement assistance, and entrepreneurial development.
- Child Care Services: Funding to provide entrepreneurial development services to women-owned small businesses focused on providing child care services.
- General Entrepreneurial Development: Funding to provide general entrepreneurial development services to women, with an emphasis on socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in locations outside of the geographical areas of existing WBCs within the United States and its territories. This includes the option to provide mostly or entirely virtual services.
- U.S. Virgin Islands: Funding to support the opening of a WBC in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Every new WBC helps open doors for women entrepreneurs who need access to training and practical assistance to stand up and grow their small businesses,” said Christina Hale, Assistant Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership. “By investing in women’s economic potential, the SBA is fostering innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our communities.”
Virtual Workshops for Applicants
To facilitate the application process, there will be a virtual WBC Applicant Workshop to provide more information to organizations interested in these grant opportunities. Details on this event will be listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
By expanding the network of Women’s Business Centers, the SBA aims to create more opportunities for women entrepreneurs to succeed. This initiative is a significant step towards addressing the unique challenges faced by women in business and ensuring that they have the necessary support to thrive in the competitive landscape.
For more information on the grant opportunities and the application process, interested organizations can visit the SBA’s official website.
