Content
In 1972, there were a little over 400,000 women-owned businesses in the United States. Until 1988, women needed a male relative to co-sign if they wanted to apply for a business loan. That same year, the Women’s Business Ownership Act increased SBA’s access to capital to provide financial assistance to organizations geared toward women-owned small businesses. By 2019, women-owned businesses represented 42% of all U.S. businesses and generated $1.9 trillion worth of revenue. Today, there are over 13 million women-owned businesses and counting. Every October, SBA honors the milestone achievements of today’s women-owned businesses.
Explore SBA's resources for women entrepreneurs
- Enter your address to find your local Women's Business Center
- Learn how to grow your business with the free Ascent learning platform
- Take advantage of other SBA resources for women-owned businesses
Participate in the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program
Five percent of all federal contracting work is set aside for women-owned businesses. Here’s how you can participate:
- Understand the WOSB program eligibility requirements
- Apply to become a certified women-owned business
Maintaining your certification as a women-owned business makes you eligible to compete in contracts specifically set aside for underrepresented businesses.
Sign up for a free training webinar
Select an event for women-owned businesses from SBA's general calendar.
Reach out to SBA
Office of Women's Business Ownership
409 3rd St. SW, Suite 6600
Washington, DC 20416
TTY/TTD: 711