New Web course helps women land federal contracts

Women who own a small business have a new tool to help them learn more about federal contracting opportunities.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched a free online training course, “Winning Federal Contracts: A Guide for Women Entrepreneurs.” It was created as part of a government-wide initiative to promote opportunities for women-owned businesses in obtaining government contracts, with a goal of having women-owned businesses receiving at least 5 percent of federal contracts.

“Federal contracts can provide unique opportunities for women entrepreneurs and small-business owners to grow their businesses and create jobs, particularly during these tough economic times,” said Karen Mills, SBA administrator. ”It’s also a win for federal agencies. By contracting with women-owned small businesses, they are working with some of the most innovative and dynamic companies in the country.”

The Winning Federal Contracts course is a self-paced guide using audio and text to help women entrepreneurs learn about the federal procurement process and to prepare them to compete for contracting opportunities.

Topics discussed include contract rules, how to sell to the government and where to find contracts.

The Winning Federal Contracts course is available on SBA’s Web site at sba.gov/fedcontractingtraining. — CINDY KIBBE/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW