Women-owned small businesses across the country have a chance to receive grant funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA) thanks to the $30 million allocated for Women’s Business Centers. This is the first time that organizations offering virtual counseling and training services to women entrepreneurs will be eligible for the grants, in addition to those with physical offices. Currently, there are 152 Women’s Business Centers across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, but this new funding will allow for the establishment of a center in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Each new Women’s Business Center will provide women entrepreneurs with access to training and practical assistance to start and expand their small businesses. The grants will be distributed in four main areas: supporting women business owners in government contracting, providing entrepreneurial development services to women-owned small businesses specializing in child care services, offering general entrepreneurial development services to women in locations without existing centers, and aiding in the establishment of a center in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Christina Hale, Assistant Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership, stated that these centers are vital resources for women entrepreneurs across the country. “Each new center provides opportunities for women entrepreneurs to access training and practical assistance to start and expand their small businesses.” Individuals who are interested in learning more about these grants can reach out to the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership at owbo@sba.gov.
The SBA established this office in 1979 by executive order with the goal of supporting and empowering women business owners across the country. Today, it continues its mission by providing resources and training programs aimed at helping women entrepreneurs succeed in business ownership. With this new funding initiative, even more opportunities will be available for women entrepreneurs looking to grow their small businesses.
