House OKs Women's Business Center bill

      The House voted to authorize a doubling of the size of federal grants to Women’s Business Centers up to $300,000 each per year, from $150,000.

      Lawmakers approved HR4405, the Women’s Business Centers Improvements Act of 2019, which also sets up an accreditation process for the centers.

      The bill is sponsored by Reps. Sharice Davids, D-KS, and Jim Hagedorn, R-MN. The Senate has not voted yet.

      WBCs currently operate in 122 communities providing technical, legal and financial assistance to women entrepreneurs. Congress set the $150,000 cap on funding in 2007.

      The large increase in annual grant funding applies to the initial grant and to follow-up grants for subsequent years, with no set time limit. The WBCs must match 50% of the federal funds in the first year and 100% in subsequent years. Also, SBA must set up accreditation standards within 270 days of enactment.

      The bill does not directly impact the Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business program, but women who are federal contractors may receive benefits from the WBCs.

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