Sunday, January 27, 2008

News of Interest: New Rule Hurts Not Helps Women-Owned Businesses

The Women Presidents' Organization headquarter office in New York has responded against the enactment of the new proposed rule from the Small Business Administration that limits contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses. Though there are 7.7 million businesses that are 51% owned and controlled by women (approximately one-third of all privately-held companies), only a mere 3.4% of federal procurement contracts are awarded to women- owned businesses.

The new rule is a flawed amendment to Public Law 106-554. Public Law 106-544 was passed in 2000 to give federal contracting officers the ability to restrict competition for up to 5% of all prime contracts to women-owned businesses whose industries are under- represented. The amendment is flawed because it only identifies four industries in which women-owned businesses are under-represented in contracting: cabinetmaking, engraving, other motor vehicle dealers, and national security and international affairs.

Read more here.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Event of Interest: Accelerating the Growth of Businesses Owned By Women of Color

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I will be out of the office but wanted to take a moment to remind you of an important event coming up on Wednesday, January 23rd.

The Center for Women's Business Research's groundbreaking 3-year study -- Accelerating the Growth of Businesses Owned by Women of Color -- centers around a series of focused research forums across the country, where women business owners of color will participate, educate, network, and learn.

One of our very own WPO Chicago members, Tracey Alston, will be serving as a panelist.

More information can be found here. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, January 02, 2008