What is the Women-Owned Small Business Program?
In May 1979, Executive Order 12138, Creating a National Women’s Business Enterprise Policy and Prescribing Arrangements for Developing, Coordinating and Implementing a National Program for Women’s Business Enterprise, directed Agencies to take appropriate action to facilitate, preserve and strengthen women owned businesses and to ensure full participation by women in the free enterprise system.
Women owned businesses are small business concerns at least 51% owned by women who are United States citizens and who also control and operate the business. "Control" means exercising the power to make policy decisions. "Operate" means being actively involved in the day-to-day management of the business.
Currently there is a law in place, PL1005-664, that provides for a Women-Owned set-aside. The Small Business Administration first needs to complete implementation. Agencies have a goal to award 5% of their acquisition dollars to women-owned small businesses. While this program is one of special emphasis, regulations have not been finalized and do not provide procedures.
Useful Websites for Women-Owned Small Businesses
A number of websites serve as useful resources for women-owned small businesses. Here are a list of some of these sites:
Office of Women's Business Ownership Entrepreneurial Development
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/onlinewbc/index.html
DoD Office of Small Business Programs – Women-Owned Small Business Program - Resources
http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/programs/wosb/resources/index.htm