SBA Makes Certification Easier with Online Tools

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In May 2016, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that their new certification website, https://certify.sba.gov/, is open and functional for WOSB Procurement Program Participants. This new site allows users to certify their business, fill out WOSB and EDWOSB applications, submit questions/feedback online and more. The SBA also released a webinar that walks you through the process of using the site.

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Tami Bonnell, CEO of EXIT Realty Corp. and NAWRB NDILC Member, Interviewed by Inman

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Tami Bonnell, CEO of EXIT Realty Corp., is a leader embodying the power and value of women in business. In a recent interview with Inman, Bonnell spoke about her career experience, succeeding as a woman in the housing ecosystem, and her efforts to help other women succeed.

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The Next 3 Priorities of the CFPB

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At the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Annual Convention & Expo today, Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), addressed attendees by discussing the bureau’s initiatives in helping the housing ecosystem’s recovery and protecting the consumers whose purchasing activity makes this revival possible.

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The Price of Doing Business: Paying Attention to the Rules

climbingwebsiteLooking at the past fifteen years of progress women business owners have made, I am reminded that there is no one-step solution to solve inequalities between male and female-owned and large-and-small businesses. Rather, women-owned firms have chipped away at the inconsistencies in the federal marketplace and urged elected officials and policymakers to consider women businesses owners in their decision making.

Women-owned businesses have gained ground and we can see the progress on a number of fronts. Last year, the Census Bureau’s Survey of Business Owners (SBO) reported that there are nearly 10 million women-owned businesses in the U.S, and since 2002, the number of women-owned firms has increased by over 50 percent. Similarly, the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program continues to grow, and women-owned firms are reaping the benefits of $17.9 billion to WOSBs in fiscal year 2015. For the first time ever, the federal government met its 5 percent contracting goal with women-owned businesses. 

While we have made tremendous progress, there is still work to be done. Part of improving access to federal markets for women entrepreneurs is improving the federal marketplace for all small businesses. While Congress passes the laws, agencies implement them through promulgating rules.

Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) works hard to remain informed on federal contracting changes, especially rules that govern contracting. NAWRB supports WIPP as a Collation Partner to submit comments on behalf of our collective members. By advocating together on behalf of WOSB’s with members of Congress, we can create change to give more women greater access to federal markets.

Below are some of the new developments you should know about when it comes to federal contracting. Most are good news – some are not.

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How Much Cheaper is Owning than Renting?

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A new report from Trulia, Rent vs. Buy: Haunted by Prices, Not Rates, reveals that in the 100 largest American metros, buying a home remains more affordable than renting. Trulia reports that on a national basis, buying a home is 37.7 percent cheaper than renting. But just how significant is the financial advantage between buying a home and renting?

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FDIC Announces Youth Savings Pilot Symposium

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The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has announced that it will host a symposium on developing youth savings on Friday, October 21, 2016. The symposium, “Learning to Save – Saving to Learn,” will unite representatives from almost 20 bank participants in the FDIC’s Youth Savings Pilot program, alongside non-profit and school partners. Participants will convene ideas for merging financial education with the opportunity to open a savings account.

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Fun Facts about Halloween 2016

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Halloween is just around the corner! Before we know it kids will be dressed in their favorite costumes stuffing their pillowcases and jack-o’-lantern pails with magnificent amounts of candy. Today, the Census Bureau released their latest Profile America Facts for Features with Halloween as the subject.

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