WIPP - Women Impacting Public Policy Blog

Republican Small Business Leadership Team

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:30:32 -0500

Please plan to attend the first planning meeting of the Republican Small Business Leadership Team. Building on the success of the Presidential Power Teams of 2008, WIPP is launching the Republican Small Business Leadership Teams to provide a Republican perspective and voice to our Government Relations team, promote bipartisan representation at regional instant impact team meetings, and build a mechanism for interaction and participation for WIPP members in party activities. We hope you will be able to join us at this first planning meeting.

The first call is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 4pm ET/ 3pm CT/ 2pm MT/ 1pm PT. We encourage all dues paying members interested in learning more about the Republican Small Business Leadership Team Meeting to sign up!

Our Democrat Small Business Leadership Team is also in formation, so stay tuned for more details. WIPP's bipartisan policy statement is available on the website. Every WIPP member has a voice. To join the discussion and learn how to become more active and involved in WIPP, check out WIPP's "Every Member Has a Voice" document posted on the website homepage.

We've Come A Long Way Baby - Until We Retire

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:20:18 -0500

Women have made great strides in the last fifty years. We see more women at work climbing the corporate ladder, attending universities and taking charge both in work and life than ever before. But as we all know, these strides have not amounted to equality on all fronts. We continue to struggle for equal pay for equal work; we balance families and work; and, no one seems to think of it, but, we struggle to retire with enough income that we will not outlive.

With 75 million baby boomers set to retire in the next decade, more than half are women. For many of these women, retirement may be a recipe for financial disaster. Earning lower wages, leaving the workplace more frequently to care for family, working in industries that offer no retirement savings plan, and living longer than men makes for a gloomy retirement forecast.

In retirement, women are 71 percent more likely than men to live below the poverty line because they simply have not amassed the savings required to cover their essential costs. Of all the gains made in the workplace, many women still lack access to a retirement savings program at work and still more do not take advantage of one where it does exist.

WIPP is lobbying Congress to turn the Automatic IRA from a proposal before Congress into a workplace savings program millions could benefit from.

The Auto IRA proposal brings a retirement savings program to small and medium size businesses who previously did not offer this key benefit to workers. It is an easily implemented, low-cost program that would automatically enroll employees in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Employees can always opt out if they don't wish to participate, but with a focus on saving now more than ever, interest and support in such a plan is growing.

There is an opportunity for the Administration and Congress to act right now and provide women a critical opportunity to take their financial futures into their own hands. The Auto IRA proposal sits before Congress today and unless our leaders address the retirement crisis before us, more and more individuals, especially women, will face economic hardships that could have been stymied by the simple act of saving.

This is an important step for women of all ages, and we know the time is now to talk with our daughters and granddaughters about the importance of saving in the hope that one day, women of all ages will be even more prepared to face the financial challenges that lie ahead.

Economic Impact Study Data - by Candida Brush, Chair, Entrepreneurship Division, Babson College

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:55:41 -0500

I just returned from the Center for Women's Business Research Board meeting in Chicago which included a joint meeting with the Leadership Council. As a researcher in women's entrepreneurship and founder of the Diana Project, and Division Chair of Entrepreneurship at Babson College. I was most heartened to learn of the progress that women business owners are making in growing their ventures.

Three things got my attention:

First - we celebrated the new research study released by the Center about the impact of women business owners on the economy. The research was sponsored by Walmart and for the first time, used a sophisticated and rigorous econometric forecasting tool, Implan. The research was conducted by two high profile economists, Dr. Hassan Pordeli and Mr. Peter Wynkoop, who have used this methodology frequently in the past. This study was based on a random geographic sample of women business owners and quantified the economic impact of women business owners. The forecasting model showed that women created $11.8 million jobs and are responsible for more than $1.2 trillion in sales. This is very good news! - http://www.cfwbr.org

Second - the SMU forum for minority female entrepreneurs held in September was a smashing success! More than 120 women attended the Accelerating Growth Forum to discuss how to overcome their biggest challenges to business growth. Participants gained insights into strategies and had the opportunity to network.

Finally, we had a great discussion about how the Center will use social media to expand and disseminate ourresearch and connect women business owners around the country. Lena West of Xyno Media led our discussion. A continuing success is the Center's w-bizinsight panel where women business owners have the opportunity to share their opinions, successes and thoughts on current issues through this on-line survey: http://www.w-bizinsight.org.

After this exciting two day meeting, I am convinced that the opportunities for women business owners are better than ever!

~ Candida Brush- Chair, Entrepreneurship Division, Babson College
Vice-Chair- Research, Center for Women's Business Research

White House Small Business Event ~ Angela Dingle, WIPP National Partner

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:31:50 -0500

I can't tell you how excited I was when I got the call about representing WIPP at a small business event with President Barack Obama, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and SBA Administrator Karen Mills. I couldn't decide what was more exciting...the prospect of being in the same room with the President of the United States or the news they would be sharing about small businesses. The thought of seeing the President finally got the best of me, so I sent out a Tweet and a post on Facebook!

The meeting was held at Metropolitan Archives, a small business located in Landover, MD - just outside Washington, DC. Not knowing what to expect, I walked into what I would describe as an intimate setting, given that there was seating for less than 100 people. Metropolitan Archives is owned by Joe Incarnato and Doug Peters, two fraternity brothers that started a records management company and with the assistance of an SBA backed loan, were able to purchase the building in which we were seated.

Since I arrived early, I watched as House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson and others filled the room. I was personally greeted by SBA Washington Metropolitan District Director Bridget Bean, while Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Congresswoman Donna Edwards spent time talking to the small business owners in the room. I listened as they thanked small business owners for their contributions to the American economy. Joe and Doug's family members, several employees, and the lenders that helped them with their loan also came in.

While President Obama and Administrator Mills were meeting with a select group of small business representatives, I was getting to know the other business owners in the room. I spent some time talking to Marilyn Landis, President of Basic Business Concepts, Inc. and former chair of the National Small Business Association (NSBA). We commiserated about how important it is for women business owners to get actively involved in putting forth the issues that are important to their success.

Then the event began. After Administrator Mills shared the history of Metropolitan Archives, Joe Incarnato introduced the President. I had a chance to hear first hand the steps the President is taking to support lending to small businesses. He acknowledged that small businesses are still struggling in spite of efforts to stabilize financial markets. He talked about the contributions that small businesses make to their communities and his commitment to see small businesses grow. He plans to put resources behind the community and credit unions where many small business owners have had to turn in order to get access to working capital by increasing the cap on 7a loans to $5 million; increasing the maximum size of 504 loans and increasing micro loans to help more business owners get started and boost their credit.

Instead of leaving the room, the President and Administrator Mills shook hands with many of the small business owners in the room until it was time for them to leave. As I was preparing to leave I spent a few minutes with Ann Sullivan, Elizabeth Vale, Business Liaison from the White House Office of Public Engagement, and Kristie Arslan, Executive Director of the National Association of the Self Employed (NASE). That's when I learned that Ann was one of six representatives in the room with the President. What an experience!

It's through participation in events like this one, it's clear that we have a voice.

~ Angela Dingle, CMC, CGEIT

WIPP National Partner
President, Ex Nihilo Management, LLC
Office 202-379-4884 | Fax 800-859-5456 | Cell 301-367-7563
E-mail. adingle@exnihilo-mgmt.com
Visit us on the web at http://www.exnihilo-mgmt.com
Sign up for our email newsletter
Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn,and Facebook
Recipient of the 2009 Eagle Spirit Award, The American Small Business Coalition

Talk About A Voice

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:54:26 -0500

Today WIPP had the opportunity to talk directly with the President on the healthcare issue. Six of us had 20 minutes with the President on behalf of the businesses we represent to discuss our concerns about healthcare reform and the need for reform. We focused our comments in a simple manner - we want better choices and lower prices. If those two goals are accomplished, we know our members will provide insurance and it doesn't need to be forced on them.

The President knows this stuff cold. He didn't need any note cards or staff prompting. He knows exactly why small businesses need reform of the insurance system and our concerns that the final product will help us not hurt our bottom line. He told us that the big winners will be small businesses who are already offering insurance because of the assistance tax credits will provide. And he wants us involved in the shape of the final product. It was also very clear to me that the SBA Administrator, Karen Mills, has the President's ear. She was involved in the discussion as well.

Now about our economic force - we told the President that if women business owners had their own country, they would have the 5th highest GDP in the world - ahead of France, Italy and the U.K.

If you are a member of WIPP, know that your views have been communicated directly to the President. If you are not a member, join and let your voice be heard.

Women a powerful force in the American economy

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:34:09 -0500

Women represent an increasingly powerful force in the American economy. A recent study commissioned by the Center for Women's Business Research showed that women business owners employ 23 million people in America, 16% of the US workforce. And for many smaller businesses in particular, this growth has been built on the information and technology revolution, in particular the increasing use of broadband to access the Internet faster and use it for more business applications and e-commerce.

The regulations for "net neutrality" may sound innocuous, but in fact they will hinder the economic progress that many women and minority-owned businesses have enjoyed.

Small businesses in particular depend on access to the latest technology and innovation at an affordable price. Today, entrepreneurs use technology extensively to manage their companies and interact with customers. They need a fast, reliable, well-managed network, not a patchwork of slow connections and an Internet dominated by "bandwidth hogs." We worry that net neutrality regulations would reduce investment in broadband networks. This will slow deployment of broadband across the country and concentrate deployment in wealthier areas, leading to increased economic disparities and reduced opportunities for people and businesses in areas without strong broadband access. In turn, this will mean less competition, increased costs for broadband which will hit small businesses hard, and less flexibility for those businesses to expand and compete. Who would want to buy products online from a slower website than a faster one?

Many small businesses are themselves part of the broadband and information technology industries, for instance as software developers, technology consultants, or applications providers. In 2008, these industries generated more than half of all new jobs in America - good jobs in growing industries during a time of recession. In short, for all businesses today, broadband is a vital tool for economic success, increasing productivity and making businesses of all sizes more efficient and competitive as the FCC prepares to vote on "net neutrality," we firmly believe that it should not move forward with these rules. But if it does so, at a minimum we want the Commission to perform and release to the public a detailed analysis of how women and minorities would be impacted by reducing investment in networks and slowing deployment of broadband. WIPP believes that this study would show that women and minority-owned businesses would be among the most heavily impacted.

WIPP Health Care Micro Survey

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:24:18 -0500

On September 13, WIPP distributed to its members a survey regarding healthcare. The results of the 5 question Micro Survey helps WIPP understand the views of our members and to craft our message. We sincerely appreciate your participation - below are the results.

In keeping with WIPP's Statement on Healthcare Reform, 71.1 percent of respondents do not support an employer mandate for healthcare.

84.9 percent of respondents are in favor of stricter federal regulation to prohibit insurance companies from imposing higher premiums or denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions.

With respect to increased funding for establishing an interconnected, nationwide health technology system, 64.6 percent of respondents are in favor. The Economic Blueprint calls for the establishment of such a system. Visit www.WIPP.org to read the complete Economic Blueprint.

In addition, 65.1 percent of respondents would support the overall healthcare reform effort if a public option plan is included in the legislation.

Finally, 66.7 percent of respondents support the expansion of Medicaid to cover low-income working adults that currently don't qualify for benefits.

WIPP Issues Letter to FCC Chairman and Commission Regarding the National Broadband Plan Notice of Inquiry

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:40:32 -0500

On October 14th, WIPP filed comments with the FCC in a letter to Chairman Genachowski on the issue of net neutrality. We feel that net neutrality regulations would ultimately hinder investment, access and the adoption of broadband, jeopardizing the businesses of our members, result in increased prices and decreased flexibility. Small businesses depend on access to the latest technology and innovation at an affordable price. In our view, innovation in technology, and competition between providers should drive changes in this sector, rather than government proposed regulations.

The Commission must explore the impact its actions will have on women and minority businesses. Broadband is a vital tool for economic success, creating more jobs and making businesses more efficient and competitive. More directly, some of the businesses we represent are part of the broadband and information technology industries, which in 2008 created more than half of all new jobs in America. A recent economic impact study commissioned by the Center for Women's Business Research cited that women business owners employ 23 million people in America, 16% of the US workforce. Therefore, not only should the Commission review impacts on specific groups, but it should look at the overall economic impact.

As the Commission moves forward through the October 22nd open meeting and on to the completion of the National Broadband Plan, WIPP would like to see data documenting the extent to which women and minority businesses are affected by whatever regulations are produced.

National Women's History Museum Act of 2009 (H.R. 1700) - Passes U.S. House of Representatives!

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:40:06 -0500

October 14, 2009 - The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1700, also known as The National Women's History Museum Act of 2009

As you know, this legislation is the first critical step, to be followed by action in the U.S. Senate, that will allow NWHM to purchase federal land at 12th and Independence SW upon which to build a world-class, green National Women's History Museum.

For the first time in our Nation's history, it appears women will finally have a front row seat on our National Mall.

NWHM owes gratitude to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-14) for her leadership as our chief sponsor in initiating and guiding this bill through Congress.

The Museum's organizers promise all Americans will be surprised and delighted at what NWHM can and will teach them and future generations about the accomplishments and stories of women who, individually and collectively, have woven our nation's fabric.

Agencies Fail to Meet Women-Owned Goals for Recovery Act

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:42:16 -0500

SBA's Associate Administrator for Government Contracting Business Development, Joe Jordon, testified before the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee that agencies are not meeting their women-owned goal of 5% with respect to stimulus contracts. According to Mr. Jordan, as of October 2, nearly 26 percent of all federal stimulus contracting dollars, or more than $4 billion, was awarded to small businesses. Specifically, more than $1 out of every $4 spent on federal Recovery Act contracts has gone to small businesses, even though the Recovery Act does not set a specific goal for small business contracting. In most cases, agencies have been instructed to follow the government's annual goal of awarding 23 percent of all prime contract monies to small businesses. This means that out of the approximately $60 billion in stimulus funds expected to be awarded through federal contracts, about $13 billion should go to small businesses.

While other disadvantaged business categories have received amounts in excess of the relevant goals, agencies have failed to meet the women-owned small business goal of 5 percent. Rather, women-owned small businesses have received only 4 percent of all Recovery contracts. "Until the SBA implements the Women's Procurement Program which gives contracting officers a tool to restrict competition to women-owned firms, we will continue to fall behind," said Barbara Kasoff, WIPP President. The SBA has developed its first online training course specifically geared toward women in federal contracting: Winning Federal Contracts: A Guide for Women Entrepreneurs. Click here to access the free course.

Sadie Wathen, Small Business Policy Analyst

Bay Area Women Business Owners Participate in National Summit on Health Care Reform

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:54:20 -0500

Bay Area Women Business Owners Participate in National Summit on Health Care Reform
NWBC Summit Adds Women's Business Perspective to National Dialogue on Health Care and Business Growth

Washington, DC - Ann Blackburn, owner of Lafayette-based Blackburn Advisory Services; Barbara Kasoff, co-founder of San Francisco-based GrassRoots Impact, Inc.; and Cecelia McCloy, president & CEO of Walnut Creek-based Integrated Science Solutions, Inc., all members of the National Women's Business Council (NWBC), participated in the 2009 Women's Business Summit: Health Care and Business Growth in Washington, DC this week. The Summit, which was hosted by NWBC, in conjunction with Pfizer, Inc., encouraged dialogue among policymakers, health care experts, and the women's business community on the challenges and realities of health care reform and women business owners' role in driving the economic recovery. In addition to members of the NWBC, participants included representatives of top women's business organizations, health care professionals, and White House, SBA, and congressional staff.

During the event, participants shared their insights on current policies affecting small business owners struggling to find access to affordable health care options and grow their businesses. Summit attendees agreed upon the following set of shared principles to contribute to the national dialogue on health care reform:

• Accessibility: a menu of customized programs for individual choice
• Affordability: Transparent, per capita pricing, parity for service across state lines. Tort reform and electronic medical records are essential.
• Portability: Individually-owned, and goes with an employee
• Wellness: Wellness education for the entire community. Individuals must take responsibility for lifestyle choices like smoking, obesity, alcohol/drug use. Employers should provide healthy options and incentives.

"The Council is pleased to have a role in this important debate," said NWBC Executive Director Margaret Barton. "We look forward to advancing the common principles established by the Summit participants." The Council will formulate a letter to policymakers outlining the key recommendations and outcomes from the event.
"Small business employers care about the health of their employees but too often cannot afford to pay the health insurance premiums," said McCloy. "This summit focused on the issues important to women business owners and provides solutions that will be considered in the health care debate taking place in Washington D.C."
Kasoff adds, "Healthcare reform is top of mind to business owners. When surveyed, 40% are unable to provide health insurance to their employees. From a small business perspective, access to nationwide pools would address the issues of affordability and access." Blackburn asserts that the healthcare system reform is much more than health insurance reform and must include provisions for portability and cost containment."

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The National Women's Business Council is a bi-partisan Federal government council created to serve as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners. Members of the Council are prominent women business owners and leaders of women's business organizations. As the nation's advocate for the more than 10.4 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., the National Women's Business Council works to promote increased access to affordable health care, access to capital, access to federal contracts and international markets, and access to the information and expertise women business owners most need to succeed. The Council conducts research on issues of importance to women business owners and their organizations and connects the women's business community to policy makers in order to expand and improve opportunities for women business owners and their enterprises.

Women-owned firms employ 16% of US jobs - 23 million people!

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:56:22 -0500

We have never had information before that relected the overall economic impact of women-owned firms. Today we have it and it reveals the magnitude of importance that small business plays in the overall economy.

Women-owned firms produce employment for more than 23 million people in the United states, or 16% of our 2008 workforce.*. This means that approximately 8% of the total labor force work directly for a woman-owned firm. This is astonishing news.

But what really is remarkable, is that that 80% of the women businesses are NOT employer firms.

What would this mean to our national economic recovery if we increased the number of "employer" firms to 25%? To 30%? How many more people would join the ranks of the employed?

It is time to start focusing on strategies and policies to make this happen. WIPP is asking these questions and addressing these issues directly.

*US Department of Labor, November 2008 national employment figures.

If A Country, Women Biz Owners would be 5th Largest GDP

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:29:12 -0500

WIPP, The Center for Women's Business Research, The National Women's Business Council and Walmart announced exciting new data at the Economic Summit on Friday, October 2nd.

If women-owned businesses were their own country, they would have the 5th largest GDP in the world, ahead of countries, including France, the United Kingdom and Italy.
If women-owned businesses were their own country, they would have a greater GDP than Canada, India and Vietnam COMBINED.
Women-owned firms have a total economic impact of $3 trillion, including creating and/or maintaining 23 million jobs, 16% of the total workforce.

The economic impact analysis explains the direct, indirect, and induced economic impact of women-owned businesses nationwide. Moving well beyond the traditional number of women-owned firms, industries, and revenue levels, this research takes things to the next level by analyzing the economic ripple effect of the women-owned business communiety, i.e. what their direct spending is in addition to subsequent spending by their suppliers and employees.

The survey data provides:

industry specific data that can be used for programming and public policy;
data that can drive private and public investments; and
data that can illuminate the true production capacity of women-owned firms.

The objective of this important research was to broadly quantify the economic contributions of women-owned firms and is unprecedented. This is the first time that this type of analysis has been undertaken for women-owned firms in the nation and the results will have significant and wide-ranging impact for policymaking, economic development, and private investment focused on women business owners and their communities. Please go to www.cfwbr.org and www.wipp.org for further information and SBTV.com for a video recording.

2009 WIPP Member Award Winners Announced!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:20:51 -0500

Women Impacting Public Policy is delighted to announce its 2009 Member Awards. We congratulate Michele R. McGough, President/CEO, Solutions4Networks, the recipient of the AT&T Innovator of the Year Award; Leylani Cardoso, Vice President, Duty Free World, Inc., recipient of the Member of the Year Award; Deborah Wilder, The Law Office of Deborah Wilder, recipient of the Public Policy Award; Nicolina A. Stewart, CPA, President CMA Solutions, Inc., recipient of the President's Award; and Stephanie Isaacson, President, New Horizons Environmental, LLC, recipient of the Member to Watch Award.

Their dedication, devotion and achievements as business owners and as leaders in our organization are widely recognized and greatly honored and appreciated. We will present them with their awards on Thursday, October 1st, at our Awards Breakfast. These women are role models for all our members, excelling in business, advocacy involvement, generosity of spirit, and setting an example for all to emulate.

WIPP is proud to be the nation's largest advocate for women owned business in the United States, and we are proud to harness the collective vision and voice of women to directly impact the politics and legislation that affects the business community.

Give Me 5 Helps a Chicago Businesswoman

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:36:11 -0500

The Chicago Sun-Times recently published an article about Valarie King-Bailey, a Chicago businesswoman who is on a mission to tell female entrepreneurs about the federal government's goal of allocating 5 percent of its contracting business to women-owned companies. King-Bailey hopes to win her first government contract by working with Give Me 5, the program created by WIPP and American Express OPEN which aims to educate women on the opportunities available through federal contracts. Click here to read the full article.

Sadie Wathen, Small Business Policy Analyst