Expanding Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs: SBA Grants $30 Million for Women’s Business Centers

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has recently announced that it will be offering $30 million in grant funding for Women’s Business Centers to support a range of projects, including opening a new center in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible organizations, which include both in-person and virtual centers, can receive up to $150,000 to open and operate a Women’s Business Center. Currently, there are 152 in-person Women’s Business Centers located across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The grants will be awarded in four focus areas: supporting women business owners in government contracting, providing entrepreneurial development services for women-owned small businesses focusing on childcare services, offering general entrepreneurial development services to women in areas where centers currently do not exist, and supporting the opening of a center in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Christina Hale, Assistant Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership, stated that every new Women’s Business Center opens doors for women entrepreneurs who need access to training and practical assistance to start and grow their businesses.

For the first time, organizations that provide virtual counseling and training services to women-owned small businesses will also be eligible for the grants. This is an important development as many women entrepreneurs may not have access to traditional in-person centers due to geographic or financial limitations.

Organizations interested in applying for these grants can contact the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership at owbo@sba.gov. This office was established by executive order in 1979 to support women entrepreneurs in their business endeavors. With the recent announcement of grant funding, more women entrepreneurs than ever before will have access to the resources they need to succeed.