FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rhylee Jones, Public Affairs Specialist
National Women’s Business Council (NWBC)
Phone: 202-735-4342 Email: rhylee.jones@sba.gov
NWBC’s 2024 Annual Report Charts Bold Vision for Women Entrepreneurs
Washington, D.C., [December 23, 2024] — The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) proudly announces the release of its 2024 Annual Report. This year’s comprehensive report explores women entrepreneurs’ unique challenges while highlighting transformative pathways for growth in today’s dynamic economy. Focused on turning barriers into bridges, the report provides actionable insights and policy recommendations designed to drive the next wave of women-led business innovation and success.
“This year marks a milestone in our journey,” said Sima Ladjevardian, NWBC Chair. “From celebrating historic achievements to forging strategic partnerships, the Council’s work exemplifies our unwavering commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and advancing equitable opportunities for all.”
The report is the culmination of a year of extensive research and collaboration focusing on three pillars: Access to Opportunity, Access to Capital, and Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystems.
Access to Opportunity
NWBC calls for innovative outreach strategies and process improvements to expand women entrepreneurs’ participation in federal programs. Recommendations include:
- Employ microtargeted outreach strategies to connect underserved women entrepreneurs with federal resources.
- Simplify federal contracting processes to reduce barriers for women-owned businesses.
- Establish secure data-sharing protocols to maximize certification benefits and ensure inclusivity.
Access to Capital
Addressing long-standing financial inequities, the report advocates for:
- Expanding forgiveness for SBA-backed loans and implementing equitable decision-making tools.
- Leveraging public-private partnerships to reduce lending risk and amplify financial inclusion.
Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Recognizing the importance of holistic support systems, NWBC emphasizes:
- Support for affordable childcare solutions for working parents, particularly women entrepreneurs.
- Integrating entrepreneurial curricula into all levels of education and workforce training programs.
- Improving data collection to measure the economic and social impacts of women-led businesses.
“The 2024 recommendations provide a blueprint for fostering opportunity, unlocking capital, and building inclusive systems that empower women entrepreneurs to reach their fullest potential,” added Ladjevardian. “These actions are critical investments in equity and the future prosperity of our nation.”
Data and research remain at the heart of NWBC’s mission to advocate for women entrepreneurs. Accordingly, data and original research are important sources of intelligence that inform NWBC’s policy recommendations. Over the past year, the Council has:
- Analyzed Trends: Commissioned a study by the U.S. Census Bureau on the evolution of women-owned businesses by owners’ ages.
- Explored STEM and Rural Gaps: Conducted econometric analyses, interviews, and surveys to examine challenges for women in STEM and rural/Tribal communities.
- Prepared for Future Insights: Launched research into expanding women’s participation in federal contracting and sustaining the post-pandemic surge of Black and Latina business startups.
“Empowering women entrepreneurs unlocks economic potential and drives innovation,” said Tené Dolphin, NWBC Executive Director. “This report reflects our commitment to creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape through collective action and bold policy recommendations.”
The full 2024 Annual Report is available for download at www.nwbc.gov/report/2024-annual-report/.
In addition to releasing the 2024 Annual Report, NWBC will also hold a public meeting on January 7th to dig deep into elements within the report. Bringing together leading voices in women’s business ownership, policymakers, and other stakeholders, this gathering will be a daylong event filled with dynamic speakers and powerful discussions on issues impacting women in business. To register for this event, please click here.
###
About the National Women’s Business Council
The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) is a non-partisan federal advisory committee created to serve as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners. To learn more, please visit: www.nwbc.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rhylee Jones, Public Affairs Specialist
National Women’s Business Council (NWBC)
Phone: 202-735-4342 Email: rhylee.jones@sba.gov
Breaking Barriers at Every Age: National Women’s Business Council Report Reveals Key Insights on the Evolving Landscape of Women-Owned Businesses
Washington, D.C. (December 9, 2024) — The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) has released a comprehensive new research report titled “The Metamorphosis of a Woman Business Owner: A Focus on Age.” Conducted in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau and led by Dr. Adji Fatou Diagne from its Center for Economic Studies, this research explores the evolving dynamics of women-owned businesses through the lens of age. This report offers critical insights into how age impacts the types of businesses women own, the industries they enter, and the motivations behind their entrepreneurial journeys.
“Our research illuminates how women’s entrepreneurial journeys evolve over time, and this study exemplifies our commitment to evidence-based policymaking,” said Sima Ladjevardian, NWBC Chair. “Promoting and developing data about women-owned businesses has been one of the Council’s core duties since its inception.” Council Chair Ladjevardian further shares, “Data and original research are vital sources of intelligence that inform NWBC’s policy recommendations, driving us to regularly commission studies that address gaps, unanswered questions, and emerging opportunities with results presented to policymakers, academics, and stakeholders to ensure women business owners receive the support they need at every stage of their careers.”
Key findings from the report reveal shifts in women’s business ownership patterns, particularly as they age. Some notable findings include:
- Increase in Younger Women Entrepreneurs: The percentage of women business owners under 45 increased by 10.5 percentage points from 2012 to 2020. The largest growth was among women aged 25 to 34, reflecting a growing trend of younger women entering entrepreneurship.
- Industry Choices by Age: Age influences the industries in which women business owners are concentrated. Older women, especially those over 55, dominate capital-intensive sectors like mining, manufacturing, and wholesale trade. Conversely, younger women under 35 are more represented in labor-intensive sectors, such as arts, entertainment, and food services.
- Income as Motivation: Among women business owners, 68% rely on their business as a primary source of income, but this varies by age. The report found that 56.5% of owners aged 65 and older use their business as their primary income source, while only 48% of those under 25 do.
- Motivations and Challenges: Reasons for starting a business also vary significantly by age. Young women, especially those under 35, frequently cited the desire to “be their own boss” and achieve “flexible hours.” However, older women, especially those 35 to 44, were more likely to prioritize work-family balance.
- Racial and Ethnic Variations: Hispanic and Black women under 35 led growth rates in business ownership between 2012 and 2020, while older groups, especially among Black and American Indian women, showed modest declines in ownership. These trends offer a nuanced look at intersectional factors shaping women’s business ownership in the U.S.
“This report underscores that women are making significant strides in entrepreneurship at all ages,” said Executive Director Tene Dolphin. “By providing insights into age-specific needs and challenges, we hope to inform better policy decisions and support frameworks that empower women business owners across generations.”
NWBC encourages stakeholders, from policymakers to business support organizations, to leverage this data in tailoring resources and support systems that address the distinct needs of women entrepreneurs at every age. This research is available on NWBC’s website and serves as an invaluable resource for fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
###
About the National Women’s Business Council
The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) is a non-partisan federal advisory committee created to serve as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners. To learn more, please visit: www.nwbc.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rhylee Jones, Public Affairs Specialist
National Women’s Business Council (NWBC)
Phone: 202-735-4342
Email: rhylee.jones@sba.gov
the
National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) Unveils Latest Research Report on Women’s STEM Entrepreneurship
Washington, D.C., (November 25, 2024) – The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) proudly releases its latest research report, Engineering Change: A Blueprint for Strengthening Women’s STEM Entrepreneurship, which provides a comprehensive examination of women’s entrepreneurial engagement in high-growth, high-yield STEM industries. Conducted by KEEE, LLC, the research aims to identify critical factors influencing women-led STEM businesses and offers insight into both systemic challenges and unique opportunities for growth.
“Women’s entrepreneurship in STEM is essential not only for economic growth but for building a more inclusive and innovative future,” said Sima Ladjevardian, Chair of the NWBC. “This report highlights where we need to focus our efforts to support women entrepreneurs in STEM fields, helping them overcome barriers and fully realize their potential.”
Engineering Change builds upon the findings of an earlier NWBC report, An Illuminating Moment: Lighting a Pathway for Women STEM Entrepreneurs, with new, data-driven perspectives on women-owned businesses from 2012 to 2020. KEEE, LLC analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data to assess the landscape of women’s STEM entrepreneurship, revealing several pivotal trends:
Concentration in Key Sectors: Women-owned STEM firms are highly concentrated in professional and healthcare sectors, demonstrating a positive correlation with the number of female patentees, levels of venture capital funding directed toward women-founded businesses, and an expanding labor force. Notably:
- A 1% increase in women patentees correlates with a 0.56% rise in female STEM entrepreneurs.
- A 1% rise in venture capital funding for women-founded firms produces a 0.29% increase in these entrepreneurs.
- A 1% labor force expansion is linked to a 37% increase in women STEM entrepreneurs.
Interest Rate Sensitivity: Higher interest rates tend to modestly reduce female STEM entrepreneurship; a 1% rate increase leads to a 0.08% decrease, a reflection of the lower capital requirements typical of non-employer firms, which are less affected by borrowing costs.
Income and Career Choice Dynamics: Interestingly, as per-capita income rises, women’s STEM entrepreneurship declines— a 1% increase in income leads to a nearly 3% drop in women STEM entrepreneurs. The report suggests that higher incomes may shift women’s focus toward family or conventional employment over entrepreneurship, with good job prospects potentially reducing the incentive to launch businesses.
STEM Education and Business Ownership Disconnect: Paradoxically, an increase in female STEM graduates correlates with a decline in female STEM entrepreneurship across diverse sectors. A 1% rise in STEM graduates leads to a 9.9% decrease in business ownership among women, indicating that many highly educated women may prefer careers in academia or established industries over entrepreneurship.
COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic catalyzed growth in female STEM entrepreneurship, driven by new healthcare sector opportunities, increased support through community funding, direct cash payments to families, and economic necessity.
Ethnic and Racial Disparities: The report highlights substantial disparities among women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. For instance, a 1% increase in STEM graduates results in significant declines in firm ownership for Black (31% decline), AIAN (240% decline), Asian (45% decline), and Latina women (32.6% decline). However, Black, Hispanic, and Asian women-owned STEM firms show more positive responses to increased patentee numbers and venture capital funding than their white and non-Hispanic counterparts.
While this analysis reveals complex dynamics between women’s STEM education and entrepreneurship, it underscores an urgent need to address structural barriers in high-growth fields. As Ladjevardian states, “Engineering Change brings to light the factors impacting women’s participation and success in STEM entrepreneurship. This research arms policymakers and stakeholders with critical data to design programs that foster inclusivity and opportunity for women across all racial and ethnic backgrounds in STEM.”
This research emphasizes the value of supporting women’s STEM entrepreneurship and calls for enhanced mentorship, role models, and equitable access to venture capital. It advocates for reforms that align educational outcomes with entrepreneurial opportunity, ensuring women have the resources and support to succeed in high-growth sectors.
To download the full report from our website, please click here. For more information about this report, please contact Erin Hustings at erin.hustings@sba.gov.
###
About the National Women’s Business Council
The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) is a non-partisan federal advisory committee created to serve as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners. To learn more, please visit: www.nwbc.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Rhylee Jones
Public Affairs Specialist
National Women’s Business Council (NWBC)
Phone: 202-734-4342
Email: rhylee.jones@sba.gov
Women at the Forefront: NWBC’s 2024 Policy Vote Seeks to Transform Business Ownership for Women in an Evolving Economic and Political Climate
Washington, D.C. – [September 23, 2024] – The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) will hold a pivotal public meeting on September 25, bringing together leading voices in women’s business ownership to shape the future of entrepreneurial policy in the United States. This crucial gathering will serve as a platform for Councilmembers to present and vote on NWBC’s 2024 Policy Recommendations aimed at advancing women’s business enterprises nationwide.
NWBC plays a vital role in championing women business owners, acting as the sole independent, bipartisan federal advisory council directly connecting women business owners and the organizations that support them to federal government officials and policymakers. Through rigorous research, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis, the Council develops informed, actionable recommendations presented annually to Congress, the President, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
NWBC is honored to feature a lineup of distinguished guest speakers for the meeting, each bringing a wealth of experience and insight into the landscape of women business ownership:
- Renita Anderson, President & CEO of Defense Technology Integration
- Marilyn Lockman, Owner of Handprints Early Learning Center
- Jackie Robinson-Burnette, Associate Administrator of the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development
- Aditi Dussault, Senior Adviser to the Office of the Administrator
Their participation underscores the diverse expertise and perspectives that inform the Council’s work, from government contracting to early-stage business development.
“I am proud to witness the collective efforts of our Councilmembers and stakeholders in shaping policies that empower women business owners,” said Sima Ladjevardian, Chair of NWBC. “This meeting is not just a discussion; it is a critical step toward actionable change. By voting on these 2024 Policy Recommendations, we are setting a bold agenda to break down barriers and create a more inclusive, equitable environment for women-owned businesses across the nation.”
The Council’s policy recommendations focus on three key areas: Access to Capital, Access to Opportunity, and Inclusive Entrepreneurship. The 2024 Policy Recommendations, informed by direct engagement with women business owners and entrepreneurs, will address critical barriers ensuring that women’s business interests are prioritized in national economic policies.
“This meeting is where research, real-world experience, and policy intersect,” said Tene Dolphin, Executive Director of NWBC. “Our goal is to ensure that the voices of women business owners are not just heard but actively shape the policies that will open doors and remove barriers for tomorrow’s women business owners.”
To register to attend the meeting, please click here.
###
About the National Women’s Business Council
The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) is a non-partisan federal advisory committee created to serve as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners. To learn more, please visit: www.nwbc.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ariana Satina
Program and Operations Manager
National Women’s Business Council (NWBC)
Phone: (202) 322-9059
Email: ariana.satina@sba.gov
National Women’s Business Council Strengthens Leadership with the Appointment of Jen Earle and Dorene C. Dominguez
Washington, DC [July 22, 2024] – The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jen Earle, NAWBO National CEO, and Dorene C. Dominguez, Chairwoman and CEO of Vanir, to its distinguished council. Both leaders bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to advancing women’s entrepreneurship and business leadership.
“We are honored to welcome Dorene Dominguez and Jen Earle to NWBC,” said NWBC Chair Sima Ladjevardian “Their extensive experience in business, dedication to community service, and passion for education will bring invaluable insights and leadership to our council.”
NWBC Council Members are appointed based on recommendations from the President, members of Congress, the SBA Administrator or by current NWBC Council Members and staff. To ensure NWBC upholds its role as a non-partisan federal advisory committee, Council Members consist of four business owners from the President’s party, four business owners who are not from the President’s party, and six representatives from women’s business organizations. Appointed Council Members serve three-year terms and are diverse geographically, economically, demographically, and ideologically.
Jen Earle
Jen Earle has been serving as the CEO of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) since 2014. Her commitment to empowering others and her passion for NAWBO’s mission make her an exceptional leader. Earle’s deep institutional knowledge and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in advancing NAWBO’s goals. She has collaborated extensively with National Boards of Directors and past CEOs to implement the Board’s vision and steer NAWBO to its current standing.
Jen’s expertise encompasses a decade of high-level operational and project management, supporting numerous boards, business groups, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and executives. She excels in executive roles involving nonprofit boards, event strategy and planning, partner outreach, and relationship building.
A successful entrepreneur from early on, Jen co-founded Element Music and Sound Design, which collaborated with major brands such as BMW, Disney, Nintendo, and Sprint. She later launched Savvy Ops, a consulting group providing virtual operational support to the nonprofit sector.
Jen’s philanthropic spirit is evident through her numerous initiatives. She co-founded Kid-Formation, played a vital role in establishing Fertile Action, and volunteers actively in community service with OneOC.
Dorene C. Dominguez
Dorene C. Dominguez has been the Chairwoman and CEO of Vanir since 2004, continuing the legacy of her father, H. Frank Dominguez. Under her leadership, Vanir has grown into the nation’s leading Hispanic and woman-owned program, project and construction management, and real estate development firm, delivering $30.8 billion in value to clients across the United States.
Dominguez is an active member of several prestigious corporate and nonprofit boards and councils, including:
- University of Notre Dame, Board of Trustees, Audit and Stewardship Committee
- KB Home Board Member, Audit, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee
- Douglas Emmett, Inc. Board Member, Compensation, Nominating, and Governance Committee
- Aspen Institute’s Latinos and Society Program Advisory Council Member
- The Dominguez Dream, Chairman
In 2013, she played a crucial role in the governing group that purchased the Sacramento Kings, becoming the first Latina to achieve NBA governor status. Her passion for education and support for underserved students is evident through her work with The Dominguez Dream, a public nonprofit organization she founded in 2004.
Ms. Dominguez holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Notre Dame and a Certificate in Corporate Governance from Harvard University. She has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate for Humane Letters from CSUSB.
###
About the National Women’s Business Council
The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) is a non-partisan federal advisory committee created to serve as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners. To learn more, please visit: www.nwbc.gov.
Contact:
Erin Hustings
202-253-8283
Erin.Hustings@sba.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (May 22, 2024) – The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC), is pleased to announce it will be holding a virtual public meeting on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT.
“It has been a year of obstacles and opportunities for women entrepreneurs,” shared NWBC Chair Sima Ladjevardian. “We look forward to hearing from members of the public and experts about the ways women have navigated challenges to sustain a historic surge in new business starts during our upcoming public meeting.”
The public meeting will allow Council Members to hear from SBA leadership about successes in raising awareness of supports for women entrepreneurs. Council Members will also share updates on the work of the Council’s three policy subcommittees. The meeting will conclude with a research presentation from the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and with Council Members responding to public comments pre-submitted by audience members.
The Council encourages public comment and feedback. Council Member Samantha Abrams will read and respond to a selection of questions or statements with the most relevance to the topic of women’s business enterprise. Responses can be submitted through the Eventbrite registration page or by emailing info@nwbc.gov.
To join the NWBC Public Meeting on June 6th, please register here.
###
About the National Women’s Business Council
The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) is a non-partisan federal advisory committee 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. To learn more, please visit: www.NWBC.gov.
Contact:
Jordan Chapman
202-941-6001
Jordan.Chapman@sba.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (December 21, 2023) – The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) is excited to share its 2023 Annual Report. NWBC serves as an independent source of advice and counsel to Congress, the White House, and the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on issues of importance to women entrepreneurs. In fulfillment of this mission, NWBC has delivered the report to these audiences and is pleased to make it available to the public.
“The Council has worked tirelessly over the past fiscal year to develop policy recommendations designed to better support women in business,” shared Tené Dolphin, Executive Director of NWBC. “Whether it is increasing access to capital and opportunity, amplifying women’s participation in innovation, or building a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Council is dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship for women across the country. We are delighted to share the 2023 Annual Report, a snapshot of this work.”
“NWBC uplifts America’s over 13 million women entrepreneurs by engaging in research, developing policy recommendations, leading dialogues, and connecting with stakeholders from all over the entrepreneurial landscape,” noted NWBC Chair Sima Ladjevardian. “It has been an honor to further progress for women in business this past year, and we cannot wait to build on these successes in the next year, starting with our January 2024 Public Meeting.”
To explore NWBC’s 2023 Annual Report and view reports from previous years, visit the Annual Reports page on www.nwbc.gov.
In order to delve more deeply into the contents of the 2023 Annual Report and lay the groundwork for collaboration for 2024, the Council will hold a hybrid public meeting from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET on January 23, 2024, at SBA Headquarters (409 3rd St SW, Washington, DC 20416). This meeting will also be live streamed via Zoom. Members of the public are invited to join the meeting to learn about the Council’s ongoing endeavors, understand how the Council moves in alignment with other women’s business organizations, and share their firsthand experiences when it comes to entrepreneurship.
Some of the key topics covered in the 2023 Annual Report that will likely be discussed during the January 2024 Public Meeting include:
- During the past year, NWBC commissioned two research projects: one focused on women’s entrepreneurship in high-yield and high-growth industries and the other focused on women’s entrepreneurship in rural, tribal, and other historically underserved communities, including urban underserved communities. Insights from these projects will undoubtedly inform future policy recommendations.
- This year, the Council focused a selection of recommendations on creating equitable access to diverse sources of business financing and increasing federal contracting opportunities and awards for women-owned small businesses.
- In 2023, the Council developed recommendations driven by a desire to foster equitable opportunity for women entrepreneurs in high-growth industries, bolster initiatives around apprenticeships, grants and the STEM pipeline, and promote and protect women’s STEM innovation.
- The Council aimed various policy recommendations at bridging service gaps in underserved communities, positioning more women-owned small businesses to compete, and strengthening coordination between grassroots and federal efforts throughout the past year.
- The Council highlights numerous entrepreneurial development resources each year and partners with key resource partners to enhance existing frameworks and design more just ones to accelerate economic opportunity for women.
To register for NWBC’s January 2024 Public Meeting, visit the Public Meetings page on www.nwbc.gov.
###
About the National Women’s Business Council
The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) is a non-partisan federal advisory committee created to serve as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners. To learn more, please visit: www.NWBC.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Temren Wroge
202-738-3523
Temren.Wroge@sba.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 21, 2018 – The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) has submitted its 2018 Annual Report to the President, the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the House Committee on Small Business, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. This Report commemorates NWBC’s 30th anniversary year and provides the findings, conclusions, and policy recommendations of the Council. NWBC Chair Liz Sara also provides her vision for guiding the Council into a new era, where it will build on past and current achievements and ensure its advocacy loses neither momentum nor impact. This year, there are an estimated 12.3 million women-owned firms accounting for 40% of all businesses in the United States. In the 2018 Annual Report, NWBC reaffirms its commitment to providing a platform to expand and improve opportunities for women business owners and their enterprises. Please click here to read the 2018 Annual Report.
###
About National Women’s Business Council
The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) is a nonpartisan federal advisory council established to serve as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration on issues related to women’s business enterprise. The Council is comprised of eight small business owners from across the country, six representatives of national women’s business organizations, and one Chairperson, Liz Sara, who was recently appointed by President Donald J. Trump in August 2018. To learn more about NWBC, visit www.nwbc.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Temren Wroge
202-738-3523
Temren.Wroge@sba.gov
Last week, in recognition of National Women’s History Month, the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) hosted a Small Business Roundtable in Pella, Iowa with Senator Joni Ernst, NWBC Chair Liz Sara, Council member Barbara Kniff-McCulla, Owner of KLK Construction, and over fifteen local women business owners.
The roundtable began with NWBC Chair Sara welcoming Senator Ernst and the fifteen women business owners, representing various business sectors from construction and manufacturing to an online floral business and a brewery owner. NWBC was honored to have Senator Ernst join the conversation, where she discussed her work on the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship and outlined her legislative priorities including increasing sole source contracting opportunities and paid family leave. Senator Ernst also touched on workforce training efforts and opportunity zones.
The highlight of the afternoon was a fireside chat between Senator Ernst and Council member Kniff-McCulla. They discussed topics ranging from broadband access to digital commerce and infrastructure. Kniff-McCulla remarked on the importance of the roundtable “for our rural community of Pella, to have a variety of women’s business owners sitting around the table, being able to tell their stories, and we appreciated Senator Ernst being a part of this.”
The discussion developed into introductions of the various small business owners and representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, the National Association of Women Business Owners (a representative of which also serves on the Council), Women’s Business Centers, and Small Business Development Centers. It was an incredible collection of women, all with unique stories of their own. The roundtable conversation also explored topics such as access to capital and markets, crowdfunding, technology, and infrastructure.
With an estimated 12.3 million women-owned firms, 89,000 of which are located in Iowa, NWBC recognizes the unique contributions that women-owned businesses make to the economy and remains committed to continuing to advocate for a platform to expand and improve opportunities for women business owners and their enterprises. This Women’s History Month, NWBC was intent on highlighting and exploring the successes and opportunities that rural women entrepreneurs.
NWBC will be releasing a research report on rural women’s entrepreneurship in May of 2019. Preliminarily, the report finds that despite the declining rate of entrepreneurship in rural areas, there remains great opportunities for women’s entrepreneurship. The Council looks forward to highlighting and sharing those successes, and making accompanying policy recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the SBA.
###
