SBA Proposes Rule to Increase Federal Contracts to Women-Owned Businesses

While women-owned firms in this country employ 13.1 million people, just 2.7 percent of Federal Recovery Act contracts have been awarded to women-owned firms. And only 3.4 percent of all federal contracts are awarded to woman-owned companies, despite the federal government having a goal of awarding 5 percent of contracts to women-owned firms. .

The SBA has proposed a rule aimed at expanding federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses. The proposed rule identifies 83 industries in which women-owned small businesses are under-represented in the federal contract marketplace. According to the SBA, the proposed rule is a “step forward in helping ensure greater access for women-owned small businesses in the federal marketplace.”

Women’s Initiative applauds this long-awaited program from the SBA. We also encourage you to award some contracts to woman-owned businesses. From hair stylists to housecleaners, from web designers to writers – Women’s Initiative graduates are ready to do business with you! To find a Women’s Initiative graduate, check out our Orange Pages directory.