WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced five grant recipients under its new Women’s Business Center (WBC) Modernization Initiative, awarding a combined $5.3 million to expand statewide support networks for women entrepreneurs in Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. The Initiative is designed to augment resources in states where existing WBC funding has not kept pace with the number of women entrepreneurs.

“Nearly four decades ago, President Ronald Reagan helped establish the Women’s Business Center Program to help women entrepreneurs start, grow, and compete,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Today, the Trump Administration is building on that legacy by modernizing the program and expanding its reach in states where demand for WBC services has outpaced existing resources. Through coordinated statewide networks, these awards will bring counseling, training, and access to capital closer to the women starting businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening their communities.”

Building on the SBA’s nationwide network of 138 existing Women’s Business Centers, the Modernization Initiative funds private organizations that will create State Lead Centers supported by local Service Centers.