Online registration is now available for NWBC’s upcoming Town Hall Meeting for Women Entrepreneurs in San Francisco, California on November 6. This FREE forum will allow members of the Council to hear directly from women business owners about their priorities, challenges and concerns, informing the Council’s future policy recommendations to the President, Congress and the Small Business Administration.
Breakout sessions will allow participants to voice their thoughts and experiences regarding critical policy issues, such as access to affordable health care, access to capital, procurement, taxes, education and workforce development, and microenterprise. In addition, the event will include an interactive panel discussion with Council members and leaders in the Bay Area women’s business community.
Space is limited to the first 200 registrants, so advance registration is required. Visit www.nwbc.gov for more information or to register.
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In September, the Small Business Administration (SBA) submitted its final rule concerning the women-owned small business (WOSB) contracting program. The final rule sets forth procedures for implementing set asides for WOSB in eligible industries. Earlier this year, NWBC commented in a letter on similar procedures that were published in December as a proposed rule.
In addition to the final rule, the SBA submitted a new proposed rule introducing a new data source that would increase the number of industries eligible for WOSB contract assistance under the program from four to 31. This alternative data set from the U.S. Census Bureau Survey of Business Owners was not available when the RAND Corporation previously studied the issue or when the SBA was preparing the previously-proposed rule.
Interested parties wishing to comment on the new proposed rule have until October 31 to submit their remarks. All comments should be submitted online at the Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov, or by mail to: Linda Korbol, Assistant
Administrator for Women's Procurement, Office of Government
Contracting, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20416. If you feel strongly about this ruling and the impact on the future of procurement opportunities for women-owned businesses, please file your comment before the deadline.
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New backgrounders on key policy issues are now available on NWBC’s web site. Based on conversations with women business owners at town hall meetings and other events around the country, the issue briefs offer insights into the priorities of women entrepreneurs, such as Access to Capital, Affordable Health Care, Taxes, Procurement, and Education & Workforce Development. Each backgrounder also includes key statistics and policy recommendations direct from women business owners.
The Council encourages all women business owners to be educated on the policy issues that most affect them and their businesses. Together, these backgrounders can be used as a toolkit for addressing important issues on a local, state and national level. Click here to download each brief individually, or contact NWBC at 202-205-3850 or info@nwbc.gov to request hard copies.
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On November 6, the Women Presidents' Organization will host an evening with Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman of Carlson Companies Inc., former NWBC Chair, and author of the new book How We Lead Matters. The event will include a keynote address by Marilyn Carlson Nelson in which she will share what it's like to be a leader in today's business world. In addition, attendees will receive a copy of her book and have the opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions about the book’s leadership themes. The event, taking place at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco, CA, is open to all WPO members and qualified non-members.
Click here to register. For more information please contact the Women Presidents' Organization at info@womenpresidentsorg.com or 212-688-4114.
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On October 3, Congress passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424). While most of the legislation is aimed at the larger capital markets, there are several provisions that may affect small businesses. Most importantly, the legislation raises the FDIC insurance limit on bank deposits from $100,000 to $250,000, offering greater protection for the banking assets of small businesses. It also offers a tax break to community banks that were hurt by the collapse of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which is notable because these banks are important sources of small business loans. Finally, the bill increases the exemption amount for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) to $69,950 and extends other tax provisions affecting small businesses and their workers.
The bailout package also included language (Section 107) allowing the Treasury Secretary to waive provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation related to contracting with minority and women-owned businesses. If the provisions are waived, the law requires the Secretary to provide justification to Congress and to develop procedures to ensure the inclusion and utilization of minorities and women in the solicitation or contract.
To protect your business from the current credit crunch, advisors suggest tactics like paying down your consumer debt, reigning in company expenses, and making use of open credit lines while the funds are still available. Click here for more tips.
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On September 25, Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY) introduced new legislation that would establish a mentorship program to help minority and women-owned small businesses build their capacities and access to contracting opportunities in the construction industry. The legislation (H.R.7087) directs the SBA Administrator to provide resources, including training, marketing materials, and assistance in joint marketing and outreach campaigns. In addition, the bill requires the SBA to provide assistance to minority and women-owned businesses with bidding on construction projects and meeting the requirements of awarded contracts.
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The SBA recently unveiled a new web site designed for entrepreneurs over 50 years old. The site offers interactive information, links, and resources to help baby boomers make informed decisions about starting and growing a business. Baby boomers can also take a self-assessment to determine their business readiness, find information on borrowing and credit, and read about successful baby boomer entrepreneurs.
Click here to learn more.
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