Special Business Loans for Women

Special business loans for women are scarce.  In fact, for the most part, small business loans for women are no different than those for men ... except that they are harder to get.

As far as the US Government is concerned, women are not a "minority" as "minority" is defined. However, due to the extreme difficulty women have had capturing US government contracts and tapping small business sources, the government has established several programs to help out. Here are the major ones:

National Women's Business Council: The NWBC is a bi-partisan federal advisory council that serves as an independent policy advisor to the President, Congress and the SBA on economic issues of importance to women business owners. You'll find research, news, and conference and event listings on the site.

WomenBiz.gov: While this does not address special business loans for women, it is the gateway for women-owned businesses selling to the government. It has useful links, event listings, and a step-by-step guide to government procurement.  It is key source for information on small business loans for women.



Office of Women's Business Ownership: To find small business loans for women in your area, check with your local OWBO.  OWBO is a part of the SBA. Each SBA district office has a women's business ownership representative and there are women's business centers in nearly every state. OWBO also offers business training and technical assistance programs; provides access to credit and capital, federal contracts and international trade opportunities; and provides a nationwide network of mentoring roundtables. At OWBO's Online Women's Business Center, you can find lists of local reps and offices, as well as the business management information the SBA provides.   This is as close as it gets for the government to provide special business loans for women.

We have brought together many of the top financing sources for women in one page of links.

The key to finding special business loans for women is to go in prepared. Having constructed a strong business plan, one highlighting your unique skills and contributions, will go a long way to preparing you for your small business for women.  In fact, without a strong business plan, the door will be slammed in your face.   Opportunities for small business loans for women don't come along often, so do go in prepared.

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