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Long Beach – Congresswoman Judy Chu was the opening keynote address at the NAWRB Inaugural Conference on Oct. 29 and provided insight on how the Committee of Ways and Means and recently introduced legislation, Women’s Small Business Ownership Act of 2014, impact small businesses and give women-owned businesses equal treatment.
The National Association of Women in Real Estate Businesses (NAWRB) advocates and promotes women and women-owned businesses specializing in the housing economy. Through its presence in Washington D.C., NAWRB is able to provide business opportunities and training, and government contracting to women-owned businesses. NAWRB also works closely with many well-known organizations such as the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as well as high-profile congresswomen to promote its cause.
The purpose of the NAWRB Inaugural Conference was to establish awareness, opportunities and access for women and women-owned businesses specializing in the housing economy. Along with Congresswoman Chu, other women impacting the housing economy spoke during the conference about issues and progress for women-owned businesses. Those speakers included Barbara Kasoff, President of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) and Erin Andrew, Assistant Administrator of Women Business Ownership for SBA.
Congresswoman Chu, who is currently the U.S. House of Representatives for California’s 27th congressional district, also serves on the House Judiciary Committee. She has served in Congress since 2009.
NAWRB CEO Desirée Patno conducted the interview with Congresswoman Chu in an intimate living room setting to allow conference attendees the opportunity to gain insight into Congresswoman Chu’s explanation of how the Committee of Ways and Means works and how the Women’s Small Business Ownership Act benefits women entrepreneurs.
The Women’s Small Business Ownership Act would assist women entrepreneurs by improving access to lending and increase business counseling and training services. The legislation would also provide women-owned businesses access to federal contracts on the same level as disadvantaged groups.
Many organizations support the Women’s Small Business Ownership Act including WIPP, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity and the Association of Women’s Business Centers. Moreover, 32 community development organizations from 20 states back the legislation.
Additionally, Congresswoman Chu spoke about how the Small Business Committee from the U.S. House Committee on Small Business provides oversight on the SBA and protects small business by offering financial aid, government contract opportunities and more.
With the help of passionate women and organizations, such as Congresswoman Chu and NAWRB, women entrepreneurs can start businesses knowing they will have the same rights and opportunities as men.