The Small Business Administration plans to allocate $30 million in grant funding for Women’s Business Centers, supporting various projects such as establishing a center in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Selected organizations will receive up to $150,000 to establish and maintain a Women’s Business Center.
Currently, there are 152 Women’s Business Centers offering in-person services across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eligibility for grants now includes organizations that primarily offer virtual counseling and training services to women-owned small businesses nationwide, marking the first time such virtual centers can apply alongside traditional in-person offices.
Grants will be distributed across four categories: financing aimed at assisting female entrepreneurs involved in government contracting; resources designated for entrepreneurial growth among women-owned small businesses specializing in child care services; support for entrepreneurial development among women in regions lacking current service centers; and funding allocated for the establishment of a new center in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman said: “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the SBA’s expanded network of WBCs is meeting new and established women business owners where they are and working to level the playing field.”
Additionally, a notable policy change has been introduced to broaden the scope of eligibility for WBC funding to include organizations providing virtual counseling and training services primarily or entirely online. This initiative seeks to improve accessibility for women entrepreneurs residing in rural areas, tribal lands, and military communities, acknowledging the growing significance of digital resources in business support services.
“Every new WBC helps open doors for women entrepreneurs who need access to training and practical assistance to stand up and grow their small businesses.” Said Christiana Hale, Assistant Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership said. “By investing in women’s economic potential, the SBA is fostering innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our communities. “The funding opportunities are open to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status that provide entrepreneurial development services to women, particularly those in socially and economically disadvantaged areas. Grant awards of up to $150,000 will be available for selected organizations to establish and operate new WBCs.”