WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch AND Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Ranking Member and Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, in a resolution that recognizes October 2023 as National Women’s Small Business Month and celebrates the contributions of female entrepreneurs.  The Senate passed the resolution with unanimous support.

“Idaho’s women-owned small businesses are central to our state’s economic growth and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Risch. “I am proud to recognize women-owned small businesses and their role in making the Gem State thrive.”

“Women own approximately 59,635 small businesses in Idaho,” said Crapo. “I proudly stand with my colleagues to unanimously recognize the effort, service and sacrifices women make to contribute to our economy and communities.”

“Until 1988, women needed a male relative to co-sign if they wanted to apply for a business loan. Now, in 2023, more than 12 million women-owned small businesses across the country are working hard each and every day to serve customers, create jobs, and boost their local economies,” said Ernst. “I will continue working to improve accountability at the Small Business Administration, expand access to childcare slots in our communities, and enhance mentorship opportunities for budding beginners and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. When our local businesses thrive, so does our country!”

“Women entrepreneurs are at the center of our economy creating new businesses, disrupting established industries and developing innovative products and platforms at a record pace. Despite positive trends, women-owned businesses still face significant institutional barriers like lack of access to quality childcare, fewer role models and mentors, a gender pay gap and unequal access to startup funding and financing,” said Shaheen. “As a former small business owner, I know there is nothing that women cannot achieve if given an equal opportunity to compete. This resolution helps underscore our bipartisan commitment to help women-owned small businesses across the country reach their full economic and job-creating potential. Today – and every day – we must match that commitment with action.”

The resolution highlights the significant contributions of women small business owners and entrepreneurs to the small business community:

• There are over 12 million women-owned businesses in the United States;
• Women-owned businesses generate $1.8 trillion in total receipts;
• Women-owned businesses employ over $9.2 million workers; and
• 38 percent of small businesses are women-owned.

Read the resolution text here.

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