National Women's Business Council Guide
Everything you need to know about the NWBC's role in advocating for women entrepreneurs and shaping federal policy for women-owned businesses.
What is the National Women's Business Council (NWBC)?
The National Women's Business Council is a federal advisory council created to serve as an independent voice for women's business issues. Established in 1988, the NWBC provides policy advice and recommendations to the President, Congress, and the Small Business Administration.
NWBC Mission
- • Advocate for women entrepreneurs at federal level
- • Research women's business development needs
- • Recommend policy improvements
- • Monitor program effectiveness
Key Focus Areas
- • Access to capital and credit
- • Federal contracting opportunities
- • Business development programs
- • Economic research and data
NWBC Structure and Leadership
The NWBC consists of 15 members appointed by the President, representing diverse industries, geographic regions, and business sizes to provide comprehensive perspective on women's business issues.
Member Categories:
- • Women business owners (majority)
- • Representatives of women's business organizations
- • Lending and investment professionals
- • Academic and research experts
Selection Criteria:
- • Proven expertise in women's business issues
- • Geographic and industry diversity
- • Representation across business sizes
- • Commitment to NWBC mission
Federal agency representatives serve as non-voting ex-officio members, providing government perspective and ensuring coordination across federal programs.
Key Federal Agencies:
- • Small Business Administration (SBA)
- • Department of Commerce
- • Department of Labor
- • Office of Management and Budget
Role of Ex-Officio Members:
- • Provide federal program insights
- • Ensure policy coordination
- • Share implementation challenges
- • Support recommendation development
NWBC Programs and Initiatives
Comprehensive research studies examining women's business development challenges, opportunities, and economic impact.
- • Annual reports on women-owned business trends
- • Industry-specific analysis and recommendations
- • Economic impact studies and forecasting
- • Access to capital research and surveys
Development of policy recommendations to improve federal programs and eliminate barriers for women entrepreneurs.
Policy Focus Areas:
- • Federal contracting programs
- • Access to capital initiatives
- • Tax policy recommendations
- • Regulatory reform proposals
Advocacy Channels:
- • Congressional testimony
- • White House briefings
- • Federal agency consultations
- • Public comment submissions
Ongoing assessment of federal programs serving women entrepreneurs to ensure effectiveness and identify improvements.
Programs Monitored:
- • Women's Business Centers (WBC)
- • WOSB federal contracting program
- • SBA lending programs
- • SCORE mentoring services
Evaluation Metrics:
- • Program participation rates
- • Business outcomes and success
- • Geographic coverage analysis
- • Cost-effectiveness assessments
Key NWBC Reports and Publications
📊 Major Research Reports:
- Annual Report: Comprehensive analysis of women's business trends
- Access to Capital: Studies on women's financing challenges
- Federal Contracting: Analysis of WOSB program effectiveness
- Industry Studies: Sector-specific research and recommendations
🎯 Policy Recommendations:
- 1Contracting Reform: Improvements to federal procurement processes
- 2Capital Access: Enhanced lending and investment programs
- 3Program Coordination: Better integration of federal services
- 4Data Collection: Improved tracking of women-owned businesses
How to Engage with NWBC
Public Participation:
While NWBC doesn't provide direct services to businesses, women entrepreneurs can engage with the council through public meetings, comment periods, and research participation.
Public Meetings
Attend quarterly meetings to hear discussions and provide public comments
- • Quarterly council meetings
- • Public comment periods
- • Virtual and in-person options
Research Participation
Participate in surveys and studies to shape policy recommendations
- • Business surveys
- • Focus groups
- • Case study participation
Stay Informed
Follow NWBC publications and recommendations
- • Annual reports
- • Policy briefs
- • Meeting minutes
NWBC Policy Impact and Achievements
WOSB Program Enhancement
Advocated for improvements to the Women-Owned Small Business federal contracting program
WBC Program Expansion
Supported increased funding and expansion of Women's Business Centers nationwide
Data Collection Improvements
Advocated for better tracking and reporting of women-owned business statistics
Access to Capital Initiatives
Influenced policies to improve women entrepreneurs' access to loans and investment
Navigate Federal Women's Business Programs Like a Pro
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