SBA announces $30 million grant funding for Women’s Business Centers in Indiana

The Small Business Administration has announced that it will offer $30 million in grant funding for Women’s Business Centers to support a variety of projects, including opening a center in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible organizations that are selected will receive up to $150,000 to open and operate a Women’s Business Center. Currently, there are 152 in-person Women’s Business Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. For the first time, organizations that provide virtual counseling and training services to women-owned small businesses will also be eligible for the grants.

The grants will be awarded in four focus areas: supporting women business owners in government contracting, providing entrepreneurial development services for women-owned small businesses focusing on childcare services, offering general entrepreneurial development services to women in areas where centers currently do not exist, and supporting the opening of a center in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Christina Hale, Assistant Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership, stated that every new Women’s Business Center opens doors for women entrepreneurs who need access to training and practical assistance to start and grow their businesses.

Organizations interested in applying for these grants can contact the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership at owbo@sba.gov. This office was established by executive order in 1979 to support women entrepreneurs in their business endeavors.