CRA-W

WASHINGTON, April 27 /U.S. Newswire/ -- In simultaneous announcements at an event with the White House Office of Women's Initiatives and Outreach and the Ms. Foundation in Washington, D.C. and the 2000 Governor's Economic Summit on Women in Business in Columbia, Mo., the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) unveiled a Website today to address the gap in computer technology aimed at girls and young women.

SBA Administrator Aida Alvarez launched the Discover Bu$iness Web site before an audience of 600 women entrepreneurs in Missouri to mark Take Our Daughters to Work Day.

"I truly believe that it's never too early to spark the entrepreneurial spirit and instill optimism on the part of young people about the business world. With this new Web site, we're not only 'taking' our daughtersew Web site, Discover Bu$iness at www.sba.gov -- is designed to help girls and young women discover their entrepreneurial talents and become technology savvy at an early age. The Web site provides young potential entrepreneurs with a new learning tool to help them succeed in the workplace of the 21st century. It introduces them to the world of business through a series of interactive modules and was developed by the founder of www.eviva.net, a Web site created for Latina women.

The SBA is also linking its home page to Kid$Inve$t, a Web site created by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and brought to Missouri schools by Missouri Secretary of State Rebecca McDowell Cook. Kid$Inve$t -- also available at www.sba.gov -- is a comprehensive guide to the stock market, investing and money management specifically designed for young people. "By continuing to combine our public and private resources, we can build a powerful network for kids," Administrator Alvarez said.

The Missouri Women's Council and Missouri State Treasurer Bob Holden's Office sponsored the "Show Me Women In Business" Governor's Economic Summit featuring prominent U.S. congressional and state elected officials and women business leaders. The summit provided the opportunity for women entrepreneurs and elected officials to engage in dialogue and explore the main obstacles women face today in succeeding in the world of business.

As the keynote speaker at the summit Administrator Alvarez said: "Today, more than 9 million women-owned small businesses employ 27.5 million people and generate more than $3.6 trillion in sales. Women are starting new firms at twice the rate of all other businesses. I'm really proud that SBA has played an important role in that success.

"However, as a community -- we need to do more," emphasized Administrator Alvarez. "Both in the work force and in our schools -- women and girls are underrepresented in the field of computer technology. Access to information technology and the ability to use it effectively are key to the future of our young women and to their full
participation in our nation's economy.

"If we start educating girls at an early age about the importance of this technology, we can help turn around this trend. Taking Our Daughters to Work Day is a great way to start."

The SBA offers numerous services to help women-owned small businesses. Since FY 1992, the SBA has nearly tripled both the number and dollar value of approved loans to women entrepreneurs, backing almost 79,000 in the amount of $11.7 billion, for women-owned small businesses.

In addition to the 7(a) and 504 loan programs, the SBA also offers the MicroLoan Program for small start-up businesses and the Loan Pre-qualification Program to help guide applicants through a loan application process and pre-qualify them before they apply at the bank.

The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO) administers the Women's Business Center Program, a unique public-private partnership providing business and technical assistance to women. Eighty centers located nationwide provide long-term training, counseling, networking and mentoring to potential and existing entrepreneurs with special emphasis on socially and economically disadvantaged women.

The OWBO originally developed the Online Women's Business Center, a free interactive Web site offering information on best business practices, management techniques, networking, counseling, industry news and research, and other useful information for women who want to start or grow a business. It is available in English, Spanish, and Russian.

For more information on all of SBA's programs for small businesses, call the SBA Answer Desk at 800-U-ASK-SBA, or visit the SBA's extensive Website at www.sba.gov.