Brooklyn, NY – This week, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the beginning of the implementation of the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program.  This program provides greater access to federal contracts to WOSBs and Economically-Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), with full implementation to be completed over the course of the next several months. 

“I applaud SBA Administrator Karen Mills, the SBA and President Obama for moving quickly to fully implement this very important program.  As the only Black woman on the House Small Business Committee, I hear the concerns of minority women small business owners who just don’t have the resources to fairly compete for contracting opportunities with the federal government.  This program gives them the resources they need to successfully do so,” stated Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

The SBA defines WOSB’s as a small business that is at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are United States citizens.  EDWOSB’s are defined as a WOSB that is at least 51% owned by one or more women who are economically disadvantaged. 

“For our economy to fully recover, small business, regardless of ownership, must be given equal access to contracting opportunities.  These opportunities will create jobs.  I will continue to work with my colleagues, the SBA and the Obama Administration to ensure that minority and women-owned businesses are provided equal access as we work to ensure our nation’s economic recovery,” concluded Rep. Yvette D. Clarke.  

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