The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), under the leadership of Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, has allocated $26.25 million to establish 13 new Women's Business Centers (WBCs) and support 17 existing ones across the United States. This initiative increases the total number of WBCs to 168, marking a record in program history.
Administrator Guzman stated, "In the last four years, women have powered a generational Small Business Boom, filing new business applications at double the rate, and the Biden-Harris Administration is expanding the network of Women’s Business Centers to record highs to serve them." She emphasized that this expansion will aid critical areas such as childcare businesses and women in government contracting.
The SBA also announced additional resources for entrepreneurs aiming to start or grow their childcare businesses. A new MySBA Learning journey dedicated to these enterprises will be launched later this year.
Today’s funding includes grants awarded in three categories: starting and expanding childcare businesses, assisting with government contracts, and providing general entrepreneurial development services. Among these are 16 awards for childcare entrepreneurship support, 13 for government contracting assistance, and six core service awards aimed at reaching rural and underserved communities.
The grantees include both current WBCs receiving multiple grants for distinct services and new organizations that will provide virtual support nationwide. For example, four organizations are tasked with offering virtual-first services in unique areas like rural communities not served by existing WBCs.
The SBA's Office of Women’s Business Ownership supervises these centers. Since early 2021, more than 50 WBCs have been added to help women entrepreneurs overcome market obstacles through counseling, training, networking, workshops, technical assistance, and mentoring on various business topics.