#United States #Washington #AWBC #Women's Business Center #WBC funding

Record Funding Boost for Women's Business Centers

On February 3, 2026, a significant milestone was achieved for women entrepreneurs in the United States with the passage of a bipartisan funding bill, which allocated a historic $27 million to the Women's Business Center Program (WBC) at the Small Business Administration (SBA). This funding marks the largest amount ever directed to the program and is the first instance where it has been explicitly included in the legislative text.

Corinne Goble, CEO of the Association of Women's Business Centers (AWBC), expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support for women-owned businesses stating, "This funding reaffirms a strong bipartisan commitment to the 15 million women entrepreneurs fueling economic growth in communities across America." She emphasized that continued backing from Congress allows the Women’s Business Center (WBC) network to effectively assist women in launching businesses, increasing revenue, securing capital, and creating jobs. This funding is a testament to the belief in the economic power of American entrepreneurs and a vote of confidence in their potential.

The bipartisan effort was championed by key leaders, including Bill Hagerty, Jack Reed, Dave Joyce, and Steny Hoyer, who played pivotal roles in advocating for the WBC program. Their support was critical in ensuring the funding was allocated, reflecting a robust commitment towards empowering women entrepreneurs.

Since its inception in 1988, the WBC network has been instrumental in supporting millions of entrepreneurs by providing essential training, counseling, and access to resources necessary for starting, growing, and scaling successful businesses. The recent data collected in 2025 reveals that for every dollar of support from the SBA, WBCs generate an impressive $6 in small business revenue and $7.50 in private capital investment. This signifies not only the program's economic impact but also its effectiveness in sustaining 340,000 jobs which contribute a staggering $16 billion in salaries to the economy.

The recent funding will ensure that Women’s Business Centers can persist in their mission to strengthen local economies, broaden opportunities, and deliver measurable outcomes for entrepreneurs across the nation.

AWBC stands as the leading national voice for women's entrepreneurship. It advocates for a network of over 140 Women’s Business Centers spread throughout the United States, offering entrepreneurs invaluable resources such as coaching, networking opportunities, and training. The organization's commitment is to equip small business owners with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving business environment.

Moreover, AWBC collaborates with renowned corporate allies like Verizon and TikTok to enhance access to digital readiness programs and upskilling initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in leveraging technology. Initiatives like HOPE2Women.org, VeteranStartup.org, and Biz2Grow.org further exemplify their commitment to broader economic empowerment and entrepreneurship growth.

In conclusion, the allocation of $27 million to the Women’s Business Center Program is a landmark decision that not only represents a financial boost but also reflects a recognition of the importance of women in the economy. As the program continues to evolve, it promises to catalyze further growth and innovation among female entrepreneurs, ensuring that they play an even more significant role in driving the economy forward.