SBA Celebrates Women’s History Month

By SBA Press Office

Every day, women entrepreneurs are driving our economy forward. According to the most recent United States Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey, women-owned businesses generate $2.1 trillion in annual receipts. While such contributions are deserving of high praise, it’s also worth acknowledging that women-owned firms only make up twenty-two percent of all employer firms.
 

March is Women’s History Month. The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) is proud to observe the occasion by offering resources that make it easier for women entrepreneurs to access the marketplace—and maintain success once they get there.

 

Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)
 

Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges when starting and growing a business, and WBCs are there to help navigate those challenges. Business counseling and training are available at more than one hundred thirty WBCs across the United States. Finding one near you is as easy as searching by your zip code.

 

SBA’s Resource Partner Network
 

In addition to WBCs, the SBA also partners with other organizations around the country to provide a multitude of tailored services. SCORE connects entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, and Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) offer no- or low-cost counseling and training. At Veterans Business Outreach Centers, veterans, service members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business benefit from workshops, transition assistance programs, and more. Community Navigators were created to help reduce barriers that underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs often face and offer business training, counseling, funding, and more.

 

Funding Programs
 

Access to credit and capital is vital for small business owners of any background. The SBA streamlines financing opportunities for individuals who may not qualify for traditional funding options by reducing lender risk through its loan programs. Use the Lender Match tool to search for potential lenders in your area. With loan counts increasing by seventy percent for women entrepreneurs since 2020, there’s never been a better time.
 

Contracting Opportunities

Leveling the playing field in industries where women have been traditionally underrepresented is a priority of the SBA. The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program limits competition for certain contracts to participants, helping the government accomplish its goal of setting aside five percent of all contracting dollars for women-owned small businesses.
 

Join the SBA as we celebrate Women’s History Month! Visit sba.gov/events to find events for women entrepreneurs throughout March and explore resources at sba.gov/women.

About United States Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover. Learn more through the SBA blog page or the main SBA website.