Breaking the Barrier: The U.S. Small Business Administration’s $30 Million Grant to Women’s Business Centers

The U.S. Small Business Administration is awarding $30 million in grant funding to Women’s Business Centers, which includes funding for a new center in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible organizations will receive up to $150,000 to establish and operate a Women’s Business Center.

For the first time, organizations that predominantly provide virtual counseling and training services will now be eligible for grants in addition to those with physical offices. The grants will be awarded in four different focus areas: government contracting support, entrepreneurial development for women-owned small businesses in child care services, general entrepreneurial development services for women in underserved areas, and funding for the opening of a new center in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Christina Hale, Assistant Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership, emphasizes the importance of these grants in helping women entrepreneurs gain access to training and practical assistance to start and expand their small businesses. “These grants are crucial in providing resources and support to women entrepreneurs across the country,” said Hale. “We believe that by investing in these centers, we can help more women succeed as business owners.”

If you have any questions about these grants, you can reach out to the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership at owbo@sba.gov. This office was established in 1979 by executive order to support women business owners and has been instrumental in promoting gender equality through entrepreneurship ever since