A Web Cast hosted by the National Women's Business Council earlier this month provided women entrepreneurs with background and updates on several key public policies affecting women-owned businesses. The Web Cast was moderated by NWBC Chair Tami Longaberger and included remarks by Council members Rebecca Boenigk, Kathryn Eshelman, and Pat Soldano on issues affecting women-owned businesses, such as health care, taxes, and procurement, and their current status in Congress.  Guest panelist Anne Crews of Mary Kay Inc. offered participants tips on how to become more involved politically.  Panelists also responded to questions posed by in-person and online participants.  To view the archived version of this Web Cast, visit www.nwbc.gov.

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During the National Women’s Business Council’s most recent meeting on September 13, SBA Administrator Steven Preston acknowledged the increasingly powerful role of women business owners.  Administrator Preston discussed his vision for the SBA and expressed his desire to work closely with the National Women’s Business Council to address the priorities of and challenges faced by women business owners.  Following his remarks, Administrator Preston participated in the swearing-in of several new Council members. 

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Council got down to business by reviewing recent projects and discussing new opportunities to expand its outreach and communications.  Council members focused on the need for increased participation in events held by partner organizations and agreed to include Council updates and information in their own communications efforts. 

The public is invited to attend future meetings of the National Women’s Business Council, which are held twice a year.

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NWBC members Ann Marie Almeida and Maria Taxman, along with NWBC Executive Director Margaret Barton, participated in the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 27th Annual National Convention & Business Expo last week in Philadelphia. Over four days, the USHCC hosted a variety of workshops, training and business sessions focused on building business relationships and creating opportunities for participants from all industries. 

During the event, Almeida moderated a panel on certification and doing business with local government.  The event also included an expo in which Taxman and Barton distributed information on the Council’s programs and research.  The Council’s participation is part of its goal of reaching out to women business owners through partner organizations serving entrepreneurs.

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The National Women’s Business Council is working in cooperation with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) on three upcoming workshops designed to assist women-owned businesses in investing in the global marketplace. Each workshop will highlight the opportunities and challenges of overseas investment in addition to providing information on OPIC’s programs in support of minority and women-owned businesses.  Speakers will include senior government officials from OPIC and other agencies, international bankers, and representatives from businesses investing overseas who will share their insights and experiences. 

NWBC Executive Director Margaret Barton will offer welcoming remarks at the first session in Atlanta on September 28.  OPIC will hold two additional workshop on October 12 in Chicago and on November 16 in Los Angeles. Click here for more information or to register to attend any of these workshops. 

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National Women’s Business Council Chair Tami Longaberger was featured in the September issue of Expert Answers, an electronic newsletter distributed by SCORE, a nonprofit association and resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. In the interview, Longaberger answered questions about the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and offered tips on how to achieve success.  She also discussed the importance of women business owners having mentors to help guide them in their business endeavors.  For more information about SCORE, visit www.score.org.

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Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and John Kerry (D-MA) introduced bipartisan legislation in July that would help increase the number of women-owned small businesses and strengthen the Women’s Business Center program.  In addition to providing sustaining grants for existing women’s business centers, the Women’s Small Business Ownership Act of 2006 (S. 3659) would provide the National Women’s Business Council with the authority to form co-sponsorship agreements with outside organizations.  The legislation also would establish an Interagency Committee on Women’s Business Enterprise made up of representatives from the National Women’s Business Council, the Small Business Administration, and the Departments of Commerce, Labor, Defense, and Treasury.

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On September 12, the Center for Women’s Business Research released its biennial update of national women-owned business statistics.  According to the Center’s estimates, there are 7.7 million majority women-owned firms in the United States as of 2006.  The number of majority women-owned firms increased by 42% (almost double the rate of all firms) between 1997 and 2006.  According to the Center’s research, these firms are expected to generate more than $1 trillion in revenues and employ 7.2 million workers in 2006.  For more information on the Center’s newest update, visit www.womensbusinessresearch.org.

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September marks National Preparedness Month 2006, a nationwide effort to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools.  The National Women’s Business Council became a member of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Preparedness Month Coalition in order to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and promote community involvement through events and activities across the nation. 

Last month, the Council released an Issue in Brief on Disaster Planning for Small Businesses to assist women-owned and other small businesses in being prepared for disasters.  To find additional resources or to learn more about National Preparedness Month, visit www.ready.gov.

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