Expanding Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs: $30 Million in Grant Funding for Women’s Business Centers

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is allocating $30 million in grant funding for Women’s Business Centers, with a portion set aside for opening a new center in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible organizations that apply will receive up to $150,000 to establish and run a Women’s Business Center. Currently, there are 152 Women’s Business Centers across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This is the first time that organizations offering virtual counseling and training services to women-owned small businesses will be eligible for the grants, alongside those with physical locations.

The grants will be distributed in four main areas: supporting women entrepreneurs in government contracting, providing entrepreneurial development services to women-owned small businesses specializing in child care services, offering general entrepreneurial development services to women in locations without existing centers, and helping establish a center in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Christina Hale, Assistant Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership, stated that each new Women’s Business Center provides opportunities for women entrepreneurs to access training and practical assistance to start and expand their small businesses.

Those interested in learning more about these grants can contact the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership at owbo@sba.gov. The office was established in 1979 by executive order and plays a crucial role in supporting and empowering women business owners across the country.