1: Women's Business Centers (WBC)

Provide counseling and training services to women entrepreneurs.

Other Information:

The program's mission is to provide quality counseling and training services primarily to women entrepreneurs, many of whom are socially and economically disadvantaged. The program does this by reaching out to established and aspiring entrepreneurs through more than 100 nonprofit organizations that host the WBCs... The WBC program provides initial five-year grants to nonprofits that can demonstrate the capability to operate a successful WBC and are able to provide matching funds for the federal funds received, 2:1 for the first two years and 1:1 thereafter. After the initial funding period, successful centers may apply for and receive renewal funds for a three-year period. Centers may apply for the renewal funding every three years thereafter, subject to successful participation in the program. WBC grants are awarded depending on the availability of federal funds and on recipients' ability to demonstrate real success, including: milestone achievement; sound grant management practices (both financial and programmatic); sound financial systems; ability to meet match requirements; successful market penetration in their target market; alignment with their host organization's mission; and being in compliance with their cooperative agreement as outlined by the Office of Women's Business Ownership.

Stakeholder(s):

• Women's Business Centers (WBC): Located throughout most of the U.S. and its territories, WBC help start and grow small firms in the local areas in which they serve to stimulate economic growth. WBCs provide training, counseling, and mentoring on a vast array of topics, ranging from basic training on how to write a business plan to more specific areas such as training programs on federal contracting or programs designed specifically for veterans. Many WBCs provide multilingual services and offer flexible hours, allowing for mothers with children to attend training classes.
  • Training (Performer)
  • Counseling (Performer)
  • Mentoring (Performer)


• Women Entrepreneurs
  •  (Beneficiary)


• Office of Women's Business Ownership
  •  (Performer)

Objective(s):

1: Businesses & Jobs

2: Small Business Needs

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