Small Business Administration Women

I see they have a special interests section, http://www.sba.gov/financing/special/wom ... but do they really help women succeed in business?

Female-owned firms small (WOSB) have been the focus of the SBA. Due to their pressure, and legislation, federal departments such as Ministry of Defence have set aside for WOSB. In addition, major contractors such as Raytheon, Boeing, etc. are encouraged to enter into a contract with WOSB subcontracting, and receive incentives. They also use them, because many companies have goals for subcontracting to small and disadvantaged businesses (SDB).

Thus, there are many asides for WOSB, and markets and the potential subcontract that exist. In addition, when a WOSB no longer just a self-certification WOSB, and SDB registers for the program, they are entitled to more benefits, and can enter into programs such as mentor-protege, a program that many federal departments and agencies have, such as the DoD, FAA, Treasury, NASA, and SBA itself (although in some programs, they are allowed to enter as a self-certified WOSB). This allows them to work with contractors and form strategic business relationships with them and the government.

The opportunities are there for WOSB, SBA and does things to help.

The overall effectiveness of the SBA has been questioned in recent years. In April, their admistrator resigned because of criticism about how SBA programs, particularly the victims of Katrina. And its budget has declined even more - the proposed budget reductions of approximately 6 billion dollars of discretionary funds and non-discretionary federal programs for small businesses in all government agencies.

But yes, SBA has a segment for women entrepreneurs. They offer courses on various aspects of entrepreneurship, the financing of loans to help women secure, and contributes to the networking.