Recently in the Women Category

   In order to participate in federal procurement contracting, a business must be registered on the Federal Government's database, the CCR.   Although there are almost half a million small businesses currently registered on it, less than 60,000 are women-owned businesses.   To get our fair share of contracts, each business woman needs to registered and counted.   It is fast and easy.   The government buys every type of service - so why not participate?

   Why is it so important?

The good news:

1. Women business owners  account for 48% of small businesses in America.   We are recognized as the engine of the American economy, generating $1.9 trillion in annual sales and employing almost 13 million people.

The non-so-good news

1. In 2000 Congress set a goal that 5% of contracts issued should be set aside for women, but so far, almost eight years later, we have not exceeded 3.3%
2. On December 27, 2007, the SBA issued a proposed ruling that stated that women business owners are not under-represented, and do not need the advantage of any contracts that could be set aside.   They based this ruling on the fact that 55,000 women were registered on the CCR..
3. The government awards more than $400 BILLION in contracts each year, and women business owners get ONLY $11 billion of that money.

These sad statistics will not change unless we are counted - and to be counted - each of us must register on the CCR.   WIPP is launching a major campaign to get every business woman registered.   Join us.   Get more information by calling 1-888-488-WIPP, or email us at ccr@wipp.org.

Women Impacting Public Policy is pleased to announce the release of the application for the 2008 Elizabeth Dole Young Entrepreneur Scholarship;  year's application deadline is June 30th.  The Scholarship, established in 2006 honoring Senator Dole as the WIPP Congressional Award Winner, is completing its first program year watching young women business owners grow and thrive in their community.  It has been an exciting and educational process and we are eager to begin the process for the coming program year.
 
We need your help finding the best and the brightest young women entrepreneur community leaders to apply for the next class of the Elizabeth Dole Young Entrepreneur Scholarship.  The scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain knowledge, skills and guidance from successful women business owners - as well as have a chance to receive a cash award to help grow their business!
 
The Elizabeth Dole Young Entrepreneur Scholarship is a bi-partisan effort, established to recognize high potential young women business owners who are leaders in their community, with resources and guidance to excel their businesses and personal success.
 
Here are the qualifications you will be looking for:
* At least 51% woman-owned
* Entrepreneur between the ages of 21-35
* U.S. Citizen
* Business 5 years old or less
* Revenue of $500, 000 or less for service industries OR $1milion or less for manufacturing industries
* The business has capacity to assume more debt
* Owner has a satisfactory personal credit history
If you know someone who might be interested, please forward this email along or use the sample email provided here, likewise program details are also available on WIPP.org: 

 
2008 Scholarship Application
2008 Letter of Recommendation Form
Fact Sheet 
 
We are also pleased to invite you to join us as a sponsor of this important effort.  Sponsorship opportunities are available for as low as $50.00 and all sponsors will be recognized along with the program and at the 2008 WIPP Annual Conference in Washington, DC.  Sponsorship of the Elizabeth Dole Young Entrepreneur Scholarship sends a powerful message of women business owners helping women business owners.
 
Women Owned Business Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Response Form 
 
If you have any questions on the application or sponsorship, please do not hesitate to contact Jason Lalak at the WIPP office at JLalak@wipp.org or via 415-434-4314.  Remember, applications are due June 30th, so there is no time to waste!
 
We look forward to an exciting 2008!
 
 

   Michelle Obama spoke to WIPP members in its launch of the WIPP We Decide! Presidential Power Team series!

   During the call, Obama spoke about her trek as a successful attorney and  civic leader, and how she has learned to balance workand family on the campaign trail.   She also discussed her husband's candidacy, his goals and stance on issues relatvant to women entrepreneurs growing their business.

   Click here to listen to the podcast on SBTV.com.

   Meg Whitman, President and  CEO of  eBay, and Fortune Magazine's 3rd  most Powerful Woman in Business for 2007 will join WIPP's Republican Presidential Power Team Call on January 29, 2008 at 3:00 pm EST.   Whitman, National Finance Chair, will speak on behalf of Romney for President.

   JoAnn Davidson, Vice Chair of the Republican National Committee, will bring up-to-the-minute news on what many are calling the closest Republican Primary contest in over 50 years.

   Don't miss this opportunity, WIPP members, email Anna at alubiner@wipp.org!

   January 9th, Senator Clair McCaskill urged WIPP members to press their concern about the SBA's recent proposed rule.   "You must make sure the people who are going to be in the White House in 2009 understand how you feel on this,"  Senator McCaskill told the group.   "We're not going to move much forward in the election year.   Take this year to get the candidates educated on where you stand."

   You are absolutely correct, Senator - the proposed rule does absolutely nothing to assist women business owners increase the number of federal contracts - and takes them no closer to achieving the 5%  goal set forth in PL 106-554 and passed by Congress in the year 2000 - and we will take this to the ballet box!!!

  Click here to watch the Senator's address!

WIPP, has over 25 Instant Impact Teams across the country - each educated on the issues and full engaged and empowered to change  policy!