 Women Entrepreneurship in
the 21st Century Conference
President Bush
announced key policy initiatives aimed to help America's small business sector
at the dynamic two-day conference featuring cutting-edge information for women
business owners. The Department of Labor, Small Business Administration, and
the Public Forum Institute sponsored the groundbreaking "Women Entrepreneurship
in the 21st Century" conference where more than 1,200 women business owners
attended in Washington, D.C. and scores of others joined by satellite. The
President applauded small businesses for their crucial role in creating jobs
during the downturn in the economy. "Small businesses embody the American
values of hard work, risk-taking and independence," declared President Bush.
His Small Business Agenda focused on priority issues for attendees at the
conference including affordable health care, access to capital, and government
contracting among others.
View
President Bush's Small Business Agenda.
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Story Continued
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao recognized the extraordinary strides
made by women business owners in her remarks at the conference. The unique
perspective women business owners bring to the work environment, and to their
employees -- especially in the areas of education, workplace flexibility,
retirement, and healthcare -- was stressed by Secretary
Chao. She
summarized the Labor Department's efforts to meet the modern and complex needs
of women business owners and their workforce. Flexibility by government is
central to dealing with the multitude of issues facing women.
"It's time for the federal government to understand that
our work and family lives are changing. Balancing work and family is
increasingly difficult, especially for women, so we want to make policy changes
that give employers and employees more options, more flexibility," stated
Secretary Chao.
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao spoke about efforts to modernize the
Labor Department's interaction with business, including focus on helping small
firms comply with laws. She noted that complex regulations are confusing and
burdensome for small businesses. "We all want a safe, healthy, fair workplace
for employees, and assisting compliance will help achieve that ultimate goal,"
stated Secretary Chao.
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For More Information About WB, Contact:
U.S.
Department of Labor
Women's Bureau
200 Constitution Avenue, NW - Room
S-3002
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone 1-800-827-5335 or (202)
693-6710
Fax (202) 693-6725
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