Women Owned Businesses

This guide provides information about government programs and services that help women entrepreneurs and business owners start, grow and expand their businesses.

Federal Programs

• National Women's Business Council
  A bi-partisan, federal advisory council created to serve as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners. Includes policy research publications and information on conferences and events.
  
• SBA Office of Women's Business Ownership
  Information about programs and services that help women with starting and running successful businesses, regardless of social or financial disadvantage, race, ethnicity or business background.
• Women-21.gov : Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
  One-stop federal resource for targeted information, registration for online programs, and networking opportunities to help women entrepreneurs.
• WomenBiz.gov : Gateway to Federal Government Contracting
  Provides information and assistance to women-owned businesses seeking to do business with the federal government.

State and Local Programs

The U.S. Small Business Administration sponsors a national network of Women's Business Centers providing in-person assistance and educational resources to help women start and grow successful small businesses. These centers are located nationwide near major cities and metropolitan areas.

Several state governments have offices and resource centers that help women business owners grow and develop small businesses.

• Illinois - Women and Minority Business Assistance
• Massachusetts - State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance
• Missouri - Women-Owned Business Network
• Washington - State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises
• Wisconsin - Women-Owned Business Resources