According to the United States Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey, in 2021, 20.9 percent of businesses in the country were owned by women. Data from Zoom Prospector via the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation indicates that more than half of Cumberland County’s population is female, clocking in at 50.48 percent.
With female leaders working behind the scenes at some of the region’s most prominent business organizations, it is clear that women are finding success in the business world in the Fayetteville region. In addition to organizations like CEED’s WBC Fay (see page 16), female business owners have an abundance of resources to help them to grow and improve their companies.
RESOURCES
U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. SBA provides an abundance of resources to business people every year. One of its programs that is geared toward the female business population is the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program. Small businesses that are at least 51 percent owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens that have women in day-to-day operations and making long-term decisions are eligible for the program.
The organization’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership has sought to lend support to women in business since 1979 by providing training, counseling, federal opportunities, and local resources. Visit https://www.sba.gov to learn more.
The North Carolina Minority and Women Business Enterprise Coordinators’ Network
In its 20 years, the NC MWBE has been dedicated to providing equitable access to contracts, projects and other opportunities.
The organization’s membership boasts “100 participants from state agencies, universities, community colleges, municipalities, and private organizations throughout North Carolina,” according to the website.
Visit www.mwbenetwork.org to learn more about NC MWBE.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation Business Partner Resources
NCDOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program is a federally mandated program that aims to strengthen the workforce in local communities through equal employment opportunities. The U.S. Department of Transportation defines a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise as “African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific and Subcontinent Asian Americans, and women” as they are “presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged.” On a case by-case basis, other individuals can also qualify for the program.
Through the DBE Program, female-owned and led businesses can become certified Women Business Enterprises, which can help them qualify for more programs.
Visit www.connect.ncdot.gov/business/SmallBusiness to learn more.
The North Carolina Department of Administration
The NC DOA’s Historically Underutilized Business program, more frequently referred to as HUB, offers opportunities for certifications, vendor searches, outreach events, and more. Last year, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency’s awarded a $385,000 grant to the HUB program to establish and run a Minority Business Development Agency in North Carolina, equipping N.C. to join 21 states that already offer MBDA programs across the country.
Visit www.ncadmin.nc.gov/businesses/historically-underutilized-businesses-hub to learn more.
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