Advocacy
Modernize, Fund, and Leverage the WBC Program at SBA to Carry Into the 21st Century
- Re-authorize the WBC Program for the first time in 20 years.
- Significantly increase the appropriations funding for the WBC program.
- Prioritize WBCs as a technical assistance provider in future legislation.
Create Access to Capital Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs
- Provide greater access to capital for women entrepreneurs.
- Leverage the Community Reinvestment Act and State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to increase lending.
- Designate funding for WOSBs in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
- Incentivize early-stage investment in women-owned companies through federal programs.
Expand Opportunity for Women-Owned Small Businesses Through Open Government and Foreign Markets
- Simplify the SBA's WOSB certification process and allow WBCs to certify businesses.
- Adopt a trade policy agenda that prioritizes small and, by extension women-owned small businesses.
Level the Playing Field By Addressing Longstanding Barriers Women Entrepreneurs Disproportionately Experience
- Ensure women business owners benefit from tax reform.
- Make affordable healthcare options available, increase opportunities for federal assistance in childcare.
- Recognize solopreneurs, and enable entrepreneurs to save for retirement.
Enable Technology and Innovations to Benefit Women Business Owners
- Provide clear guidance on breakthrough technologies, expand digital commerce and online marketplaces.
- Make technology investments and R&D tax deductible for women-owned businesses.
Identify and Establish Gender Parity in Underrepresented Industries
- Establish solutions for industries where women are underrepresented.
- Conduct a GAO study to identify industries with disparate representation.
- Create a national broadband plan, and strengthen programs for women inventors' education and IP protections.
