* Government Business Programs for Women

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), women business owners are critically important to the American economy. However, women continue to face unique obstacles in the world of business.

The SBA is an advocate for women entrepreneurs and the Office of Women's Business Ownership offers programs and services to help them succeed. They also oversee the Women's Business Centers (WBCs). The WBCs offer training and counseling on topics in many languages to help woman start and grow their businesses. For more information, contact a WBC in your area.

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program provides access to federal contracting opportunities for WOSBs and economically-disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs). The Program allows contracting officers to set aside specific contracts for certified WOSBs and EDWOSBs and help federal agencies achieve the goal of five percent of federal contracting dollars for WOSBs.

Help is available for minority business owners from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

There are also many state government programs that will help women start a business.

Need More Information? Try These Additional Resources:

• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• SBA's Business Community Website
• SBA Online Course - Winning Federal Contracts: A Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
• Starting a Business
• Incorporating and Registering a Business

The short link for this FAQ is http://1.usa.gov/x9Xcm5