**GAO-08-49**                      Published: Nov 16, 2007. Publicly Released: Nov 16, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

The Women's Business Center (WBC) Program provides training and counseling services to women entrepreneurs, especially those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. In fiscal year 2007, the Small Business Administration (SBA) funded awards to 99 WBCs. However, Congress and WBCs expressed concerns about the uncertain nature of the program's funding structure. Concerns have also been raised about whether the WBC and two other SBA programs, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE programs, duplicate services. This report addresses (1) uncertainties associated with the funding process for WBCs; (2) SBA's oversight of the WBC program; and (3) actions that SBA and WBCs have taken to avoid duplication among the WBC, SBDC, and SCORE programs. GAO reviewed policies, procedures, examinations, and studies related to the funding, oversight, and services of WBCs and interviewed SBA, WBC, SBDC, and SCORE officials.

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## Topics

Business Regulation and Consumer Protection

Federal fundsFunds managementMonitoringPerformance measuresPolicy evaluationProgram evaluationProgram managementReporting requirementsSmall business assistanceWomenWomen-owned businessesLegislationBusiness planningGovernment agency oversightPolicies and proceduresProgram coordination