NEWS

Washington, D.C.—The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) attended a meeting at the White House today to discuss the proposed rules just released by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that would implement a long-delayed federal program designed to expand federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses (WOSBs).

“While the regulatory process is not complete, and achievement of the 5% federal contracting goal established by Congress in 1994 remains to be accomplished, the publication of this rule represents a concrete and important step forward,” says Deborah Stallings, Secretary of the NAWBO Board of Directors who represented NAWBO at the meeting. “I was impressed and encouraged by the open forum the White House afforded us today to discuss the proposal, and by their active solicitation of our advice.”

“The women’s business community has been waiting more than a decade for this program to be fully implemented, during which time the gap between the 5% goal and contracts actually awarded has been $5 to $6 billion dollars annually,” says Helen Han, President and CEO of NAWBO. “For the first time, we actually are optimistic that women business owners are finally on their way to getting their fair share of federal contracting dollars, and NAWBO very much appreciates the leadership President Obama, SBA Administrator Karen Mills and the Director of the SBA Office of Women’s Business Ownership Ana Harvey have shown in moving this important program forward,” adds Han. “This program will aid in the further growth and development of women-owned businesses and enhance their ability to serve as a positive force in the country’s economic recovery, while affording the federal government new opportunities to buy goods and services at competitive prices.”

The rule proposed today by the SBA lists 83 industries in which WOSBs are under-represented or substantially under-represented among contractors doing business with the federal government. The rule proposed by the SBA in December 2007, which NAWBO criticized in comments it submitted asking that the rule be withdrawn, listed only four NAIC codes. In addition, the new rule removes a requirement, also criticized by NAWBO in 2007 that each federal agency make findings that it had engaged in discrimination against WOSBs before it could participate in the set-aside program.

Participating in the meeting with NAWBO were White House and other government officials, including Tina Tchen, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and Executive Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls.  NAWBO was invited to attend the meeting because of its advocacy over the past 16 years in support of achieving the 5% federal contracting goal established by Congress in 1994 for women-owned businesses, and its strong support over the last decade of the women-owned small business set-aside program authorized by Congress in 2000.

NAWBO will be conducting a careful analysis of the SBA’s proposed rule, which you can read here, and submitting formal written comments. Any NAWBO member may, as a member of the public, submit comments up until close of business on May 3, 2010 to www.regulations.gov, or by mailing them to Dean Koppel, Assistant Director, Office of Policy and Research, Office of Government Contracting, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd St. SW, Washington, DC 20416. Please reference RIN 3245-AG06 when submitting comments.

NAWBO MEMBERS' OPTIMISM REBOUNDING
A 2010 Survey Shows 61 Percent Feel the Health of the U.S. Economy Is Improving
[posted March 5, 2010 | Source: NAWBO National]

Washington D.C.— When the first signs of life appear from the most challenging economic environment in decades, it will be critical for businesses to think and act quickly to capture opportunities. A 2010 survey of members of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) shows that women business owners believe that time is now. A 61-percent majority of NAWBO members surveyed feel the health of the US economy is improving, and will be better at the end of 2010 than it is today. This is up from 54 percent in 2009 and just 26 percent in 2008.

Other NAWBO survey highlights include:

• With respect to their own business prospects, 65 percent expect improvements in 2010, while 11 percent expect them to worsen and 24 percent remain about the same. Last year in contrast, 54 percent believed things in their business would get better, 15 percent thought they would worsen and 30 percent thought they would hold the line.
• Plans for employment are likewise on the rise: 34 percent of NAWBO members will hire new workers this year, compared to just 24 percent who said they’d be adding jobs last year. Just 9 percent will be trimming staff levels in 2010, compared to 17 percent who said they would be doing that in 2009.
• NAWBO members' capital investment plans are also on the rebound: 21 percent plan to increase capital investment this year, while 33 percent will stay the same. In early 2009, just 17 said they would be increasing capital investment, while 40 percent were planning on holding the line.

"This year's NAWBO survey is an excellent example of the growing optimism among women business owners in particular," says NAWBO President & CEO Helen Han. "While women business owners are optimistic about the year ahead, they remain concerned about key issues such as the state of the economy, business tax issues and the cost and availability of healthcare. Issues like access to capital, national security, education policies, federal contracting opportunities and immigration reform also rank high."
For example, when asked what President Obama and Congress should address in 2010, health care prevails (at 51 percent), followed by:

• The economy (37 percent)
• Reducing taxes/tax cuts (24 percent)
• Access to capital for small business (17 percent)
• Reduce government spending/less government/reduce deficit (16 percent)
• Jobs/unemployment (14 percent)
• Terrorism/national security (12 percent)

As the unified voice of more than 10 million women-owned businesses across the country, NAWBO—in partnership with international advocacy services firm Hogan & Hartson—will be addressing many of these issues that impact women business owners in 2010, beginning with access to capital and federal procurement opportunities "The mission of NAWBO encompasses propelling women entrepreneurs into political spheres of power worldwide," says NAWBO Public Policy Committee Chair Kelly Scanlon. "We are excited to be in a strong position to actively engage in the political process to make an impact for women business owners both now and in the future."

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FOR NAWBO'S WOMEN'S BUSINESS CONFERENCE IS NOW OPEN!
[posted March 5, 2010 | Source: NAWBO National]

You know what they say about the "early bird"...

When it comes to this year's NAWBO Women's Business Conference, June 10-11, 2010 in Washington DC, those who register during our Early Bird Registration will not just save money (always a smart move in today's economic environment), but they will also get:

• high-level education
• tangible takeaways
• valuable connections

Early Bird Registration ends March 31st. Click here to reserve your spot today!

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS SAYS JOB CREATION BILLS ARE A POSITIVE STEP
Organization Urges Obama Administration to Create Policies that Instill Confidence in the Business Community
[posted February 9, 2010 | Source: NAWBO National]

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) President & CEO Helen Han and Public Policy Chair Kelly Scanlon issued the following joint statement in response to the job creation bills introduced last week in Congress:

In the wake of last month's State of the Union address, in which President Obama called for a bill to facilitate job creation, several new pieces of legislation have been introduced that specifically target and encourage small businesses to hire.

NAWBO welcomes the Obama Administration's renewed emphasis on small business as the economic engine of the American economy and the bills' focus on employer incentives to spur job growth. Specifically, with the emphasis on tying job creation to payroll tax incentives, the Administration is moving in a direction that NAWBO has previously spoken in favor of. While NAWBO views these proposals as a positive step, we also remind the President and lawmakers that many business owners remain reluctant to hire when sales are anemic and uncertainty abounds with regard to other pending legislation that will impact businesses with higher taxes and regulations. NAWBO urges Congress to work quickly and in a bipartisan fashion to create policy that instills confidence in the business community. Pro-business policies, combined with incentives for job creation, will create an environment that gets the economy moving forward, encourages businesses to start putting Americans back to work, and allows small businesses the opportunity to grow.

Key points of the legislation introduced last week include:

• The Hire Now Tax Cut Act of 2010, introduced by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) on Wednesday, proposes to exempt employers from paying the employer's portion of Social Security taxes on workers hired in 2010 who had been without full-time work for at least 60 days. In addition to the immediate benefit an exemption would provide over a tax credit (which employers would have to wait until 2011 to claim), this bi-partisan proposal allows for additional incentives the longer the employee is retained and does not rely on redirecting funds repaid through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).
• Another measure, The Small Business Job Creation Tax Act of 2010, introduced by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Carl Levin (D-MI) and Mark Begich (D-AK), would provide a one-time tax credit to businesses that increase their payroll. Small businesses would receive a 20 percent credit, and businesses with 100 or more employees would be eligible for a 15 percent credit. A similar bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).

In 2009, a similar effort from the Walmart Foundation helped more than 650,000 people receive tax refunds, credits and tax preparation savings totaling more than $950 million. Between now and April 15, this Walmart Foundation partnership will provide tax preparation and EITC filing services in more than 100 communities across the country and aims to return more than $1 billion to taxpayers.

Walmart Foundation wishes to make people aware of this partnership as the IRS estimates one in four qualifying taxpayers are unaware of the EITC and other tax deductions that could save them real money. Individuals interested accessing partnership services can find their local, free, tax preparation location at www.MyFreeTaxes.com Additional partnership information is available at www.MyFreeTaxes.com/campaign/.

• Association of Women Business Owners (AWBO), which becomes NAWBO, is incorporated.
• NAWBO goes national and publishes its first directory of women-owned businesses—a resource it continues to offer members today online

1980s:

• NAWBO national and chapter members attend the White House Conference on Small Business, testify before congressional committees and participate in task forces and small business groups. NAWBO holds its first conference and first National Public Affairs Day. HR 5050, the Women's Business Ownership Act, is passed.

1990s:

• A delegation of Russian women, attempting to establish a Soviet Association of Women Business Owners, meet with NAWBO members and President George Bush.
• Women-owned firms employ more people than the Fortune 500 companies combined.
• A 5 percent goal for Federal procurement for women-owned firms is established.
• Past national NAWBO presidents are inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame.

2000s:

• NAWBO signs on to the Women21.gov project, and participates in four town hall meetings across the country with then-President Bush.
• NAWBO incorporates the NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development (NAWBO IED), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that seeks to create educational experiences for established women entrepreneurs.

"With 2010 marking NAWBO's 35th anniversary, our organization is excited to pay tribute to our history and the exemplary women whose achievements have propelled us into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide," says NAWBO President and CEO Helen Han. "But equally exciting are the opportunities for women business owners that still lie ahead—and what NAWBO's leadership, members and sponsor and affiliate partners are now doing to capture those and create even more."

NAWBO Chair Wendy Lopez agrees: "There is so much for NAWBO and its members to be proud of, and yet it's just the beginning of the long-term impact our organization will have in the U.S. and around the world—on business, on policy and in our lives and communities. I'm honored to be a part of it."

Over 750 people, including Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, Secretary of State Todd Rokita and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, celebrated Indiana women at the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-Indianapolis) sixth annual awards and holiday luncheon, Celebrating Women presented by American Family Insurance on Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

The highlight of the annual luncheon was the announcement of winners of the 2009 NAWBO-Indy Visionary Awards. This year, five individuals were honored for their achievements as business owners and leaders in the community. The 2009 Visionary Award winners were:

• Avatar of the Year: Angela Faulkner, Faulkner Strategies
• Indianapolis Choice (two recipients): LaTricia Hill-Chandler, Indianapolis Public Schools and Holli Harrington, Eli Lilly and Company
• Member of the Year: Pam Parker, JP Parker Flowers
• Woman Business Owner of the Year: Carol Curran, Phoenix Data Corporation

In addition to the award winners, NAWBO-Indy announced the creation of a new scholarship benefitting its members. Beginning in 2010, the NAWBO-Indianapolis Entrepreneur Scholarship will provide executive level education to enhance both personal and professional growth to one qualified member per year. Proceeds from the annual luncheon benefitted the scholarship.

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MAXIMIZE THE BENEFITS OF YOUR CERTIFICATION
[posted May 20, 2009 | Source: The Conduit]

Are you a State of Indiana Certified M/WBE? If so, would you like help finding contracting opportunities or information about the process of doing business with the State? If so, contact the State of Indiana Minority and Women's Business Enterprises Division, Business Development Group (BDG).

The BDG offers one-on-one consulting services to Indiana certified firms. These consultations include but are not limited to tips on maneuvering through the state website, advice on finding contracting opportunities, tips on how to grow your business and assistance with other resources to help position your business for success.

You can reach the BDG via phone at (317) 234-3061 or via email.

DOES YOUR BUSINESS QUALIFY FOR DBE CERTIFICATION?
[posted April 10, 2009 | Source: The Conduit and Martha Kenley of INDOT]

On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). As a result, the State of Indiana will receive $658 million in federal highway funds.

Because this is federal money, federal law requires INDOT and Local Governments to set contract goals for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation. If you are a minority or woman owned company that is not certified as a DBE in the State of Indiana, and you provide services relevant to highway construction projects, you may qualify for DBE certification.

To qualify for certification as a DBE, your firm must meet the eligibility standards established in federal regulations 49 CFR Part 26, summarized below.

The owner of a for-profit firm must be a socially and economically disadvantaged individual who is a citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted permanent resident. The following classes are rebuttably presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged under the federal regulations:

• Female
• Black
• Hispanic
• Asian Pacific
• Asian India
• Native American

While these groups have a presumption of social disadvantage, any individual who can establish social and economic disadvantage by a preponderance of the evidence, based on guidelines set forth in Appendix E to 49 CFR Part 26, may qualify.

The socially and economically disadvantaged owner must:

• Own at least 51% of the firm.
• Have an individual personal net worth, excluding the value of the disadvantaged owner's primary residence and ownership interest in the firm, of less than $750,000.
• Have contributed capital to acquire ownership that is "real and substantial" and derived from independently owned resources.
• Must "control" the day-to-day activities of the firm, meaning that he or she must have expertise, operational and managerial control, and independence from non-DBE firms.

A DBE firm must be a small business. This means that a firm applying for DBE status may not have gross receipts, averaged over a three-year period, that exceed the Small Business Administration size standards associated with the specific type of firm. See 13 CFR Part 121. In no case, may a DBE firm's gross receipts averaged over a three-year period exceed $20.4 million.

If you believe your firm qualifies for DBE certification, log on to the INDOT DBE website for information and an application.

For those of you that are currently DBE certified and perform highway construction work, get prepared:

• Review your contact information in the INDOT repository to ensure it is up-to-date and accurate.
• Sign up on the "Contract Notification List" and checkout the "Doing Business with INDOT, Contractors" for upcoming contract letting information. There is a wealth of information on this page with links to all the information you will need to submit bids to prime contractors.
• Be aware that INDOT is posting all ARRA information on the Internet.
• Market yourself and step-up networking efforts with prime contractors. Let them know that you are aware of this increase in construction projects and would like to be included in their bidding plans.

Note: INDOT is currently advertising projects.