WIPP

CONFERENCE INCHES CLOSER TO LOWERING 7(a) LOAN FEES: The House of Representatives recently approved a measure by voice vote instructing the Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations conference to report $79 million for the 7(a) loan program in its final bill. This funding would lower fees to small businesses obtaining Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. Additionally, Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Ranking Member John Kerry (D-MA) called for the conferees to keep the funding for 7(a) loan program at $79 million.

Please click here to read Senator Kerry’s press release concerning the newly-passed motion.

VELAZQUEZ RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT CARD: House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) released her annual report card that scores Federal Agencies on contracting. The report shows that women-owned businesses came in at 2.89% – just over half of its 5% goal. It is estimated that the cost to women-owned businesses is more than $6 billion in lost contracting opportunities.

Please click here to view the report and see how women and small businesses fared (on page 13).

These two stories provided by Women Impacting Public Policy, Inc. (WIPP) www.wipp.org