Washington, DC (March 3, 2006) – At a grant presentation for the Women’s Business Center held today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) encouraged more corporate and federal investment in small business ventures – especially small businesses owned by minorities and women.  The Women’s Business Center was awarded a $25,000 Excelerator grant from AT&T, formerly SBC, to establish a Women’s Business Resource Center.

The Center will provide access to Internet-ready computers, resource materials, and technology training to new and existing women-owned businesses in the Rio Grande Valley.  The project’s goals are to train clients in e-commerce, web design, and web-based marketing solutions.  Of the clients who receive technology training, some will be targeted to use their training to expand or improve their business operations.  A total of 300 clients are targeted for using the resource center computers and materials; and, an overall total of 405 clients will receive technology training or use the center.

“The Women’s Business Center has been instrumental in providing women entrepreneurs in gaining access to resources, information and assistance,” said Hinojosa.  “Unfortunately, the budget that was sent to Congress last month again slashes or eliminates programs that help small and minority-owned businesses.  Therefore it is imperative that large corporations like AT&T continue their commitment and support of the entrepreneurship spirit.”

Last month, the President sent Congress the proposed budget for FY07.  This budget called for the elimination or under-funding of many small business programs, including:

• Underfunds or eliminates many small business programs, impacting the 1.6 million Hispanic American-owned small businesses.  Even though small businesses employ nearly half of all workers and create three out of four new jobs, the proposed FY07 budget slashes funding to the Small Business Administration by 30 percent. The cuts include the continued elimination of appropriations for 7(a) small business loans and increased fees for every Small Business Administration lending program.

• Eliminates funding for programs that increase women’s opportunities in non-traditional employment.  Under the proposed FY07 budget, the Women in Apprenticeships and Nontraditional Occupations Act (WANTO) is eliminated.  The WANTO program awards grants to employers to help them recruit, train, and retain women in non-traditional high-wage jobs.  Women who have access to WANTO-funded projects are 47 percent more likely to enter a higher-paying technical occupation.