summary
Introduced
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
112th Congress
Bill Summary
Women's Small Business Ownership Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Office of Women's Business Ownership within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address issues concerning the management, operations, manufacturing, technology, finance, retail and product sales, international trade, government contracting, and other disciplines required for starting, operating, and increasing the business of a small business. Authorizes the SBA Administrator to provide annual training for women's business ownership representatives to enable them to carry out such responsibilities. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to qualifying entities to conduct projects designed to provide training and counseling meeting the needs of women business owners, especially socially and economically disadvantaged women business owners. Provides assistance amounts of at least $100,000 and up to $150,000 per year. Directs the Administrator to consult with each association of women's business centers to develop: (1) a training program for the staff of such centers, and (2) recommendations to improve the policies and procedures for governing the general operations and administration of the women's business center program. Outlines application and other requirements for entities to receive assistance to conduct such projects. Directs the Administrator to solicit applications and award grants for the first fiscal year beginning after the enactment of this Act, and every third fiscal year thereafter. Provides for the review and approval of grant applications, as well as conditions for continued funding. Allows for multiple awards to the same entities. Directs the Comptroller General (CG) to study and report to Congress on: (1) the unique economic issues facing women's business centers located in predominately rural, urban, or insular areas; and (2) SBA oversight of women's business centers.
AI Summary
This bill, the Women's Small Business Ownership Act of 2012, aims to strengthen support for women entrepreneurs by reauthorizing and improving the Women's Business Center program, which is managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The legislation directs the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership to focus on a wider range of business disciplines, including management, finance, technology, and international trade, to help women start, operate, and grow their businesses. It also authorizes the SBA Administrator to provide annual training for representatives of women's business ownership and to offer financial assistance, ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, to eligible entities that conduct projects offering training and counseling specifically tailored to the needs of women business owners, with a particular focus on those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Administrator consult with associations of women's business centers to develop staff training programs and recommendations for improving the overall operations and administration of the Women's Business Center program, while also outlining clearer application processes and criteria for receiving financial assistance and grants. Finally, the bill requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the unique economic challenges faced by women's business centers in rural, urban, and island areas, as well as the SBA's oversight of these centers, to identify areas for improvement and better service delivery.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3283-3286) (on 05/17/2012)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/senate-bill/3197/all-info |
| Bill | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112s3197is/pdf/BILLS-112s3197is.pdf.pdf |
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