On June 11, 2024, the Small Business Administration announced four grant opportunities totaling $30 million for its Women’s Business Center network. The agency said funding would support expansion, a new center in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and specialized services for child-care businesses and firms seeking federal contracts. The announcement described a funding opportunity, not completed awards. [story-s1]
The SBA said selected eligible nonprofit organizations could receive up to $150,000 to open and operate a center. It also reported a network of 152 in-person centers across the 50 states and Puerto Rico. Under the new approach, applicants could offer mostly or entirely virtual counseling and training, potentially reaching women-owned businesses in rural communities, tribal lands and military families beyond existing center locations. [story-s1]
The four tracks addressed procurement readiness for Women-Owned and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business certifications; entrepreneurship support for child-care businesses; general business development, including virtual services outside existing center areas; and opening a center in the Virgin Islands. The release said applicants had to be 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The design paired targeted expertise with broader geographic reach, while leaving selection and eventual service impact to subsequent implementation. [story-s1]
Source documents
- SBA Announces $30 Million in Grant Funding for New Women’s Business Centershttps://www.sba.gov/article/2024/06/11/sba-announces-30-million-grant-funding-new-womens-business-centers