USWCC Calls Upon Congress and the U.S. Small Business Administration to Implement P.L. 106-554 the Women's Procurement Program The leaders of the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce(TM) will testify on May 12th before the U.S. House of Representatives' Small Business Committee. We will use this opportunity to share with the members of the committee the needs of the over 10 million women business owners of America.
If you would like to receive a copy of the USWCC testimony, please go here. Additionally, the USWCC, along with the National Women's Lobby, is launching a national initiative to push for the expeditious implementation of the 2000 Women's Procurement Program. If you would like to be a supporter of this initiative - go here now and register.
The Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 allows Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Set-Asides (permissive, not mandatory) for requirements in an industry where WOSBs are substantially underrepresented and limited to contracts not exceeding $3 million for services and $5 million for manufacturing. P.L. 106-554 requires the small business concern be certified as WOSB by a federal agency, state government or national certifying entity approved by the Small Business Administration or if a WOSB can provide adequate documentation to support such certification. The SBA reports that there is an ongoing review being performed - however, the SBA has not even requested funding for this program. Meanwhile, the SBA has rapidly pushed through a new procurement program that will boost federal contract opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. At a recent SBA advisory meeting, when asked about the status of the women's procurement program, the USWCC was told that the SBA is not focusing on that right now. Instead they are focused at the service-disabled veteran's program. Our surveys of women business owners active in federal procurements tell us that you want action. So, please be part of our efforts to create change. We must show congress that women business owners are serious about our opportunities and serious about federal procurement. If you would like to be a supporter of this initiative - go here now and register. If you would like to discuss this initiative, please go here. Both majority and minority leaders reached out the USWCC to be part of this committee hearing entitled, "Women's Entrepreneurship: Successes and Challenges." We believe it is an important time to stand strong for women in business. As the preeminent national women's chamber of commerce network, the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce is taking a strong position for you with our national leaders. | State Economic Network Creates Strong Connection for Women Business Owners Across the U.S. Join us for online meetings on May 18th or 20th as we start the work of the economic development network. (Click here for dates and times.) In March 2004, the USWCC launched a national network of women's Economic Development Councils. Thousands of women across the U.S. have stepped up to be part of this important state economic network for women. The Economic Development Councils are building a strong state economic network of involved and influential business owners who are ready to leverage our clout in your market and nationally. [If you haven't already stepped up to be part of this important project, register here.] Now, we are ready to begin the significant work of this network to: - Assess the local and national needs of women business owners.
- Communicate these needs to local and national leaders.
- Prepare directories of economic development resources for women.
- Report on the status of women in business locally and nationally.
At our May 18th and 20th meetings, we will be moving to the next level - releasing the exact steps necessary to gather the appropriate information on your market, beginning your local assessment process and beginning the outreach to local key influencers. We hope you will be part of this important step for the women business owners of America. If you have already taken part in phase one of the USWCC Economic Development Councils, please join us for this next action step. If you have not joined the EDC yet, now is your chance to get on board and be part of the council.
Women's Economic Development Council Online Meeting Dates and Times: Tuesday May 18th, 11:00 a.m. EST
Tuesday May 18th, 2:00 p.m. EST
Thursday May 20th, 11:00 a.m. EST Register here for the EDC here and take part in next week's online meetings.
Not a member yet? Please support us as we support you. Be part of the national voice for women in business. Join here. |
