2024 Advocacy Year in Review for the Association of Women’s Business Centers

The content presented in this AWBC Advocacy Year in Review has been provided by Prism Group.

AWBC continued to leverage its strong position in Washington to advance the priorities of WBCs and women business owners more broadly. These efforts leave us primed to work with the incoming Administration and Congress to advance our agenda further – and reject calls to minimize resources for the program. A few highlights included:

True Champions for WBCs

In both the House and the Senate, AWBC worked with specific Members of Congress over the last several years to move from general support to true championing of our program. In an environment defined by tradeoffs, we have a select group of policymakers who have made the WBC program their top choice in small business policy and stood steadfast. This drove key achievements:

• Record Funding Continues: The House Appropriations Committee proposed a record $28 million in funding for WBCs, reflecting a strong commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs. This funding is particularly noteworthy as it comes at a time when others have faced budget cuts, demonstrating the sustained support for AWBC initiatives in both the House and Senate. The final FY25 funding is still TBD, but AWBC is confident the program will remain well resourced.
• Re-Authorization Bills: Proposals for the reauthorization of the Women’s Business Center Act continued to receive Committee attention. HR 5361 and S 2184 both reached record co-sponsorship improving the legislation’s chances when a broader small business bill comes forward.

March Fly-In Impact

Engagement on Capitol Hill paid dividends with immediate increases in appropriations and authorization interest from offices. This surge in support highlights the effectiveness of direct engagement with lawmakers and the importance of advocacy efforts in promoting the interests of women entrepreneurs.

Leadership Conference Attendance

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman attended the AWBC Leadership Conference held in Kansas City from September 10-12, 2024. Her presence underscored the SBA’s ongoing support for women-owned businesses and the vital role of Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) in fostering entrepreneurship.

SBA Engagement

In a challenging year for the operations of the program due to limited resources, AWBC was at the table to increase transparency and accountability with the agency overseeing the program

Broader Voice in the Small Business Community

AWBC joined with other organizations to advocate for key policies and funding around technology and AI, disaster relief, workforce preparedness, and lowering the barrier to entry for women in business. AWBC remains a leading voice in Washington on all issues related to women entrepreneurs.