Women Owned Small Business in Government Contracts Essay Example

over the past ten years ("Women-Owned Small Business").

There are various initiatives aimed at supporting the growth of small businesses owned by women and creating an inclusive environment for their active involvement. Women in Defense (WID), National Women's Business Council, Small Business Administration Office of Women's Business Ownership, and Women's Business Center serve as important resources for these enterprises. WID, also known as Women in Defense, is dedicated to promoting and acknowledging the valuable contributions made by women across all areas of national security.

The mission of WID, a non-profit professional organization, is to safeguard national security in the United States. Comprised of both men and women, WID offers women an official platform for enhancing their professional advancement through networking, education, and career development opportunities. WID is affiliated with the National Defense Industrial Association located in Arlington, Virginia. This association represents diverse sectors within the defense and technology industry while providing support to all branches of the military.

Women in Defense (WID) was established in 1985 and is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members. WID has chapters nationwide. On the other hand, the National Women's Business Council (NWBC) serves as a non-partisan federal advisory council formed to offer impartial guidance and policy recommendations on economic matters that impact women business owners. NWBC provides this guidance to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The National Women's Business Council was created by the Women's Ownership Act of 1988, commonly referred to as House Resolution 5050. Its primary aim is to promote women's business enterprises in both public and private sectors. Comprised of female business owners, the council focuses on implementing

innovative initiatives, policies, and programs that provide support for women-owned businesses at all stages of their growth journey - from start-up to success. Additionally, they are responsible for identifying the obstacles encountered by women-owned businesses and creating annual reports summarizing their findings for the President and Congress.

The Council began bringing together different stakeholders in the early 1990s, such as women business owners, policy makers, bankers, and representatives from women's business organizations. Their aim was to tackle the challenges encountered by women entrepreneurs and suggest potential solutions to the President and Congress. In 1994, the NWBC underwent modifications under the Small Business Reauthorization Act, which resulted in its present composition comprising both women business owners and representatives of women's business organizations.

Under Public Law 105-235, the Council's membership, including the Chair, grew to 15 members in 1998. Currently, the council primarily concentrates on studying women business owners and addressing their organizations' significant concerns. Its goals involve widely sharing these research findings, fostering connections between the women's business community and policymakers, and creating a foundation for transformative initiatives that improve opportunities for women-owned businesses. Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also contributes to this effort.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government established in 1953 to aid, counsel, assist, and protect small business concerns. The SBA aims to support and safeguard small businesses' interests, promote free competitive enterprise, and contribute to the strength and stability of the nation's economy. Recognizing their crucial role in the United States' economic recovery, future development, and global competitiveness, the SBA acknowledges the significance of small businesses. Despite evolving over time, the core mission

of the SBA remains unchanged.

The SBA offers assistance nationwide through field offices and partnerships to individuals in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam who are interested in starting, growing, or expanding their businesses. To promote involvement from women and minorities in entrepreneurship, the SBA has implemented programs like a minority small business program and microloans. Additionally, they create informational materials in Spanish.

The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) offers different programs to support entrepreneurs and business owners, including the Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO). The OWBO is dedicated to assisting women in their business endeavors and making a positive impact on their communities. It prioritizes inclusivity by providing support regardless of social or financial disadvantages, race, ethnicity, or previous business experience. The OWBO works alongside the Women's Business Center Program as essential components of the Entrepreneurial Development network, offering diverse training and counseling services.

The future of American enterprise is being influenced by the current generation of young individuals who possess dreams, a drive for change, optimism about the future, and an aspiration to succeed. Barbara Manzi exemplified this determination for change. Hailing from a rural region in Massachusetts, Barbara grew up as the third child in a family of 12. Her parents worked diligently as fishermen and housekeepers, facing financial difficulties but offering unwavering support. This environment fostered Barbara's ambition to excel. Eventually, she obtained an associate degree in business marketing and management.

She moved to the New York area and established a prosperous retail career, ultimately rising to the position of department store manager. Concurrently, she got married and started a family. In 1982, Barbara

transitioned from the retail sector and utilized her sales and mathematical skills to secure employment at Northern Alloys, an aerospace supplier located in Amityville, New York. During her tenure there, she diligently absorbed knowledge about the metal distribution industry and was able to generate $3 million worth of business within a few years.

Barbara was offered majority ownership of the company, specifically 51 percent, by her boss who recognized her value. She views her boss as a continuous source of encouragement and support. To gather as much information as possible, Barbara sought guidance from the SBA. The SBA provided technical assistance and training in various aspects. Whenever she encountered challenges, whether accounting or management related, Barbara relied on the SBA for immediate assistance. In 1989, Barbara's husband retired from his position in the police force which led to the family moving to Florida.

Barbara dissolved her old company and established a new one by merging with another firm in 1993. However, she wanted to have complete control over her business, so she ended the partnership and started Manzi Metals, Inc. in a spare room in 1995. Today, Manzi Metals distributes various alloys such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, brass, and more to aerospace and commercial industries across the United States and Canada. The company also provides raw metals in different shapes and forms. Additionally, Manzi Metals is certified as an 8(a) and SDB (small disadvantaged business).