SBA Promotes Women-Owned Businesses

SBA Promotes Women-Owned Businesses
STRAIGHT TALK WITH SAM

July 18, 2005

Great ventures in life are often the result of small opportunities. As the Chairman of the Small Business Sub-Committee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture and Technology, I have heard about many entrepreneurs who started with little money and a single good idea. These risk takers are a part of what makes America great. Many of those entrepreneurs have been women.

America's 9.1 million women-owned businesses employ 27.5 million workers. Estimates put their contribution at $3.6 trillion to our economy annually. Yet too many women still face unique obstacles in starting their own business.

That is why the Small Business Administration has created the Office of Women's Business Ownership. The OWBO promotes the growth of women-owned businesses through programs that help women run their own business. Those programs include information on access to credit and capital, federal contracts, technical assistance and international trade opportunities.

In addition, the OWBO holds nationwide roundtables for mentoring and has a women's business center in almost every state. With the help of the OWBO, women everywhere have begun to start and expand their own businesses in record numbers. You can find more information on this or any other SBA program by contacting their Kansas City office at (816) 374-6701 or their website: www.sba.gov.

Small businesses are the backbone of Missouri's economy. I will continue to support programs that can make a difference for those who are taking a risk and working for a better life. You only need one opportunity in life; if you seize it.

http://www.house.gov/graves/straighttalk/2005issue29.htm