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Small Business Women-Owned Small Businesses John understands the major role that women entrepreneurs play in beginning and growing businesses that provide sustainable jobs and economic growth in New Hampshire and across the nation. To support women in this mission, he has helped to secure Small Business Administration (SBA) funding for New Hampshire’s Women’s Business Center (WBC), which is headquartered in Portsmouth, and serves women entrepreneurs in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. The Center supports women entrepreneurs through education, counseling, and mentoring so they can learn and maintain skills that are critical to success in today’s business environment. Most recently, the WBC in Portsmouth received $50,000 in SBA funding for the remainder of fiscal year 2008. Made possible under the SBA’s three-year renewable funding program, the award was a direct result of John’s 2007 legislation to extend the eligibility of WBCs to apply for funds through the existing competitive grant program. That 2007 bill provided WBCs up to $150,000 in matching federal funds per fiscal year for operating expenses, and funded existing WBCs through current program money, creating no additional cost to taxpayers. Sharon Drake, Executive Director of the WBC in Portsmouth, summed up the reaction and impact of the funding by saying, “The WBC is thrilled and proud to have received an award from the SBA Office of Women’s Business Ownership. Senator Sununu, along with his two colleagues from Maine and Massachusetts, worked diligently to draft this legislation and push it through. We would not have been successful were it not for them. These funds will allow the WBC to continue making an impact community by community, one woman-owned business at a time. The months ahead will be exciting as the WBC can deepen its impact by offering more one-on-one professional business counseling, educational opportunities, and peer support. The Senator has helped us meet our mission by listening to our members and volunteers and acting on their considered advice." Further information regarding small business can be found on the web site of the United States Small Business Administration at: www.sba.gov |
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