Women’s History Month 2024 is being celebrated in a big way at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). Assistant Secretary Alejandra Y. Castillo recently hosted a discussion on women entrepreneurship and innovation with Pamela Prince-Eason, President and CEO of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). This event highlighted the importance of supporting women business owners and providing them with the resources they need to thrive in the American economy.
During the discussion, Castillo and Eason delved into the various resources available to women entrepreneurs and the opportunities for continued empowerment and integration of women in all aspects of the economy. The U.S. Department of Commerce is dedicated to ensuring that the promise of American prosperity is equitably realized, and this commitment extends to supporting women in business.
One of the key resources available to women entrepreneurs is the Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) Business Centers for Enterprising Women of Color. These centers focus on helping minority women-owned businesses secure contracts and capital, create jobs, and grow competitive businesses. They play a crucial role in promoting women entrepreneurs as engines of economic growth in their communities.
The International Trade Administration also offers support to women entrepreneurs through the Women’s Global Trade Empowerment Program. This program assists women who wish to expand their businesses into new markets, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed on a global scale.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office operates the Women’s Entrepreneurship (WE) program, which is a community-focused initiative aimed at encouraging and empowering more women founders across America. This program plays a vital role in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among women in the business world.
In addition to these resources, EDA is hosting a webinar on March 27 in collaboration with the Tory Burch Foundation. The webinar will focus on business resources for women and provide valuable information on scaling with federal funding. This event is a great opportunity for women entrepreneurs to learn more about the support available to them and how they can take their businesses to the next level.
To stay updated on EDA observances and activities in celebration of Women’s History Month, be sure to follow EDA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. These platforms will provide you with the latest updates on events, resources, and opportunities for women in business.
Overall, Women’s History Month 2024 is a time to celebrate the achievements of women in entrepreneurship and innovation, while also recognizing the importance of providing them with the support they need to succeed. By leveraging the resources and programs available through organizations like WBENC, MBDA, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, women entrepreneurs can continue to make a significant impact on the American economy and beyond.